Netherlands: Lawyer proposes legalizing 'symbolic' female circumcision
Via AD (Dutch):
Wouter Limborgh, a criminal lawyer, proposes in his doctoral thesis to legalize a minor or symbolic female circumcision under medical supervision. The consequences for the girl in such a procedure are so minor, he says, that cultural freedom should take precedence. Limborgh writes that this will meet the wish of people to be who they are. Their quality of life will increase and it will prevent people from going ahead with procedures which aren't visible.
Limborgh says this won't be a slippery slope and that it could improve the position of women. If the procedure won't lead to drastic and lasting harmful effects for the girl, there's insufficient reason for punishment.
The idea was criticized by The Dutch Physicians Association and women's organizations.
