WASHINGTON, DC– Last night, Congresswoman Lois Frankel (D-FL-21) and Congressman Scott Perry’s (R-PA-10) bipartisan resolution to denounce female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) and recognize it as a human rights violation against women and girls was passed in the U.S. House of Representatives. The resolution, which has 28 additional co-sponsors, also urges the U.S. and international community to undertake coordinated efforts to eliminate the harmful practice.

An estimated 200 million girls and women have been victims of FGM/C, with more than 3 million estimated to be at risk of being cut annually. The practice, a procedure that involves partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, is most common in parts of Africa, the Middle East and Asia and is associated with several traditions but is not tied to any one culture or religion. FGM/C even occurs in the United States.

“Today we’re sending a clear message that every girl, no matter where she’s born, has a right to live free of violence,” said Rep. Frankel. “This bipartisan resolution recognizes that FGM/C is a gross human rights violation holding women and girls back from reaching their full potential.”

“We’ll continue to demand an end to the horrific practice of Female Genital Mutilation / Cutting (FGM/C), justice for its victims, and protection for our girls,” said Rep. Perry. “I’m pleased by the bipartisan effort and want to thank Congresswoman Frankel (D-FL) for her diligence to bring to the full House our resolution condemning the reprehensible and subjugating practice of FGM/C.”

Full text of the resolution can be found here.

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