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LASSL (2004)4 : Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003

The Prohibition of Female Circumcision Act 1985 makes female genital mutilation (FGM) an offence, except on specific physical and mental health grounds. This Act is being replaced by the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003, which will be brought into force on 3 March 2004. The purpose of this letter is: (a) to inform you of the provisions of the new Act and (b) to provide further information in support of the guidelines on female genital mutilation (FGM) in paragraphs 6.52-6.53 of Working Together to Safeguard Children (1999) to enable you to improve safeguards for children in your area, in light of the new Act. The Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003 strengthens and amends the 1985 legislation. It makes it an offence for the first time for UK nationals or permanent UK residents to carry out FGM abroad, or to aid, abet, counsel or procure the carrying out of FGM abroad, even in countries where the practice is legal. The 2003 Act also increases the maximum penalty for committing or aiding the offence from 5 to 14 years' imprisonment.