Although Finnish legislation makes it possible to punish people for genital mutilation, such cases must be investigated on the basis of assault. The Committee on Legal Affairs announced on Wednesday that the government should take urgent action and propose the necessary legislative changes to clarify the punitive nature of female genital mutilation by the end of the parliamentary term.
Political decision-makers and humanitarian workers took the decision.
World Vision Finland expert Ujuni Ahmed said he was happy with the decision, as he had been part of the delegation that presented the citizens’ initiative to the Finnish Parliament.
“My hands are shaking. This is unbelievable! Thank you to the Committee on Legal Affairs and to everyone who has worked with me to ban female genital mutilation. I’m speechless. This is my Finland, ”he rejoiced on Twitter on Wednesday.
“There is evidence that girls born in Finland have been sent abroad for mutilation,” reminded Matias Mäkynen (SDP). “We are talking about a major human rights issue. We must guarantee the inviolability of all. The matter will now move to the Chamber, where the opinion will receive final approval.”
“Citizens’ initiatives have once again demonstrated their ability to address shortcomings. Thank you to the authors and signatories of the initiative, ”echoed Mari Holopainen (Greens).
In its opinion, the Committee on Legal Affairs considered that the regulatory framework should also be clarified for non-medical circumcision of boys. Its members attached two dissenting views to the opinion.
Antero Laukkanen (Christian Democrats) estimates that the 2015 guidelines on non-medical circumcision issued by the Department of Health and Welfare do not need to be clarified, especially given the importance of cultural identity and religious practice in Islam and Judaism.
The Finnish party’s Leena Meri, Mari Rantanen and Sebastian Tynkkynen, on the other hand, argued that all non-medical circumcision should be made punishable by law.
Aleksi Teivainen – HT
Source: New Finland