Ok folks I am circumcised. Not through religion, but due to complications with Diabetes.
I was an adult when t was done. I therefore can assure you all that Circumcision is not akin to FGM, Female Genital Mutilation! Let’s remember that last word ‘Mutilation’ because that is the key.
Now I am not condoning any religious or cultural elective surgery upon anyone. I understand the reasoning behind circumcision – I think, but it is not something I would have wanted to put any child through. I am not criticising any religion with this view, just basing it upon my own painful experience. To say its just ‘uncomfortable’ is untrue.
However, FGM – Mutilation is not just cutting a small ring of skin. It is hacking at the clittoris to remove it, a body part that not only gives pleasure but contains so many extremely sensitive nerve endings, they then cut away the Labia’s the lips and folds of skin, then finally the sew the opening tighter up. To fuse the skin making a smaller hole.
This is done by unqualified elders, in hiding, usually with no anesthetic, and in unsanitary environments.
If the authorities here are suspicious the girls are sent abroad for the procedure. Some die others become infected, all have their future stolen from them.
The proposed laws to stop this barbaric life long torture were what Christopher Chope blocked.
There is no excuse for his behaviour, no excuse for FGM to continue.
It really is that simple.
Jonesy