Bill Text: CA SR17 | 2017-2018 | Regular Session | Enrolled

California Senate Resolution 17 (Prior Session Legislation)

Bill Title: Relative to Female Genital Mutilation and Cutting Awareness Day

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2017-02-06 - Read. Adopted. (Ayes 40. Noes 0. Page 151.) [SR17 Detail]

Download: California-2017-SR17-Enrolled.html

Enrolled February 06, 2017

Passed IN Senate February 06, 2017

CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2017–2018 REGULAR SESSION

Senate Resolution

No. 17

Introduced by Senator Atkins

February 02, 2017

Relative to Female Genital Mutilation and Cutting Awareness Day

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST

SR 17, Atkins.

WHEREAS, Since 2012, the United Nations General Assembly has recognized International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation on February 6, and has the largest global program to accelerate abandonment of its practice and to provide care for its consequences; and

WHEREAS, Female Genital Mutilation and Cutting (FGM/C) comprises all procedures that involve altering or injuring the female genitalia for nonmedical reasons and is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women; and

WHEREAS, The procedure severely affects women and girls, causing them considerable pain and suffering and, in some cases, threatens their lives; and

WHEREAS, The procedure can cause recurring infections, increase the risk of complications in childbirth, and, in the most extreme form, may create a need for later surgeries to allow for sexual intercourse and childbirth; and

WHEREAS, FGM/C violates basic human rights by depriving women and girls of their physical and mental integrity, their right to freedom from violence and discrimination, and in the most extreme cases, their lives; and

WHEREAS, Since 1996, cutting a girl’s genitals for nonmedical reasons has been illegal under federal law, but nearly 507,000 women and girls in the United States could be at risk of FGM/C; and

WHEREAS, In some regions of the world the practice is seen as an important coming-of-age ritual that ensures a woman’s purity, can be a requirement for her to marry, and is a practice that sometimes continues after immigrating and assimilating into American society; and

WHEREAS, Due to an increase in immigration from countries where the practice of FGM/C is common, California has the largest population of women and girls at risk of FGM/C; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, That the Senate recognizes February 6, 2017, as Female Genital Mutilation and Cutting Awareness Day in California and urges individuals, community members, medical practitioners, and institutions to observe this day with appropriate notice so that Californians may achieve a better understanding, to ensure U.S. laws are enforced, and so that the affected women and girls receive the care and support they need; and be it further

Resolved,That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.