Here’s some good news for a change. By Jack Kimball for Reuters, with thanks to Sr. Soph:
ASMARA (Reuters) – Eritrea has banned female circumcision, a life-threatening tradition that aid groups say afflicts some 90 percent of the country’s women.
A government statement issued on Thursday said anyone who requested, took part in or promoted the practice now faced a fine of several hundred dollars or up to 10 years in jail.
“Female circumcision is a procedure that seriously endangers the health of women, causes them considerable pain and suffering besides threatening their lives,” the statement said.
“Whosoever requests, incites or promotes female circumcision … shall be punishable with a fine and imprisonment.”
The ban took effect on March 31, it said….