Prohibition of Genital Mutilation (Criminal Offence) Northern Ireland Bill 2019

A BILL TO

Prohibit all forms of genital mutilation for the purposes of cosmetic purposes on those under the age of 18.

Be it enacted by being passed by the Northern Ireland Assembly and assented to by Her Majesty as follows:

Section 1: Definitions

(1) For the purposes of this act, “Genital Mutilation” refers to any harm done to the genitals of a man, woman, or non-binary person for the purposes of cosmetic surgery that is not in relation to transitioning gender

Section 2: Genital Mutilation Prohibition

(1) Genital Mutilation is prohibited in Northern Ireland for those under 18.

Section 3: Exemptions to Genital Mutilation Prohibition

(1) Individuals who practice religions which require genital mutilation as part of their religion are exempt from Section 2 of this Act.

(2) If the Department of Health deems the procedure to be too damaging for the individual, the exemption can be revoked and Section 2 will apply regardless of religion

Section 4: Penalties Associated with Genital Mutilation

(1) Doctors found in breach of Section 2 are to be;

(a) Fined £5,000;

(b) Sentenced to a maximum of three years in a penal facility;

(c) Have their medical license revoked in Northern Ireland;

(d) Receive a criminal record

(2) Families found in breach of Section II are to be;

(a) Fined £5,000;

(b) Sentenced to a maximum of three years in a penal facility;

(c) Lose custody of their child, who will be placed in government care;

(d) Receive a criminal record

Section 5: Enactment, Commencement and Short Title

(1) This bill extends to the entirety of Northern Ireland

(2) This bill shall be titled the “Prohibition of Genital Mutilation (Criminal Offence) Northern Ireland Act 2019”

(3) This bill will come into effect immediately after receiving royal assent

This bill was written by Deputy First Minister /u/Cenarchos, MLA for South Down, and is sponsored by the Social Democratic and Labour Party.

This vote will end on the 27th of May at 10PM.