Posted on January 25, 2024
HARFORD- Today, State Rep. Holly Cheeseman (R-37) attended an informational forum at the State Capitol called Preventing Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting in Connecticut: Why Comprehensive Laws Matter.
“I heard horrifying stories from women about this awful and inhumane practice and strongly believe Connecticut should pass a ban on Female Genital Mutilation/ Cutting this session,” said Rep. Cheeseman.
Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is human rights violation that affects millions of women and girls worldwide; in the United States more than half a million women and girls are at risk of or have already undergone FGM/C.
Despite federal law prohibiting FGM/C, it continues to persist in many states. To date, 41 U.S. states have enacted laws prohibiting the practice of FGM/C. Connecticut is one of nine states that has yet to address this harmful practice.
The forum was co-sponsored by the Connecticut General Assembly Bipartisan Women’s Caucus (which Rep. Cheeseman is a member), the Governor’s Council on Women, the CT Coalition to END FGM/C, the National Association of Social Workers, and Sahiyo, an organization united against female genital cutting.