Offence to Perform Female Genital Mutilation

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is legally defined as any procedure that involves the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. Under the law, FGM can include various forms of cutting, removing, or altering parts of the female genitalia, often performed as a cultural, religious, or traditional practice.

According to Australian laws, particularly in states like Victoria under the Crimes Act, FGM is explicitly prohibited regardless of cultural or religious reasons, and the procedure is deemed a violation of human rights. The law outlines specific types of actions that fall under this category:

• Clitoridectomy: Partial or total removal of the clitoris.
• Excision: Removal of the clitoris and the labia minora, with or without the labia majora.
• Infibulation: Narrowing of the vaginal opening by creating a seal, often through cutting and repositioning the labia.
• Other Harmful Procedures: Any other harmful procedure that involves pricking, piercing, incising, scraping, or cauterising the female genitalia.

These procedures are considered FGM when carried out without medical necessity and are punishable by law, with penalties of up to 15 years imprisonment in Victoria. The focus of the law is to prevent harm and protect individuals from unnecessary and harmful alterations to their genitalia.