Egypt hosts conference on female circumcision

Cairo hosted a conference on the subject of female genital mutilation, BBC News reported on November 24^th. The conference, which followed statements by Egypt’s leading religious officials denouncing the procedure, was organized by the German human rights group, Target. Muslim scholars and religious leaders from around the world discussed bringing an end to the practice. Some of the attendees emphasized that female circumcision was not consonant with Islamic beliefs that prohibit inflicting pain on others. Others stressed that although the act is not required by religious law, it is also not prohibited. Other attendees argued that the government should enforce laws against the practice.

Female genital mutilation is widespread in parts of the Middle East and Africa. It is supported by parents who believe that the practice helps to prevent their daughters from engaging in licentious acts.

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