Female genital mutilation is already outlawed in the U.S., but some lawmakers want to create harsher penalties here in Maine.
Right now, there are three competing bills trying to ban female genital mutilation here in Maine. At Monday’s hearing at the State House, they were trying to get the best parts of all three, to find some middle ground.
The Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee took up the issue Monday, hearing bills trying to ban FGM from both Republicans and Democrats.
The bills have some differences, including criminalizing crossing state lines to have the procedure done, and more education.