Proxy,
We cannot deport Australian citizens. The most we can do to citizens is to impose stiff penalties that could include the removal of the mutilated child.

In relation to those of permanent resident status, the laws are very specific about deportation. Basicly, I think, a crime has to be committed that gets a penalty of 2 years Jail. Even then some have had the courts overule the deportation.

Most parents that are currently carrying out FGM on their daughters are citizens. In fact I have been informed that women that had FGM done to them as girls here, are now having their own daughters done.

Cultural practices are difficult to change by education

Dear Bango, Sounds like Australia is between a rock an a hard place as only the truth you know sets you free and as a nation we reject the truth as an option and nothing else works.

Pelican:"There is, but this thread was about FGM. "

Actually, I've never read or heard a single word condemning those traditional tattoos as barbaric or suggesting that they should be banned. Occasionally someone will say something about male circumscision, but rarely.

The combination of traditional practise with Islam seems to be a terrible provocation to some.

Proxy,

Your comments "(b) Stop immigration of those cultures that practice FGM.
I would add: (c) Deport those found to be taking part in this barbarism."

Show that your concern is really a pretext for bigotry.

Anti

>> Actually, I've never read or heard a single word condemning those traditional tattoos as barbaric or suggesting that they should be banned. <<

As Pelican stated - there is nothing to prevent you from starting a topic regarding traditional tattooing.

>> Occasionally someone will say something about male circumscision, but rarely. <<

This topic is presented regularly, however, again you are an independent adult, start a topic about that as well.

Back to Topic.

Banning cultures wherein a small percentage indulge in FGM is not going to solve the problem either here in Australia or in the countries of origin. What is required here, is enacting the laws against such abuse (as was noted, people are charged for arranging dog and cock fights). And to support world wide campaigns such as those by Amnesty International decrying the abuse of women and children.

Banjo

Your lobbying is an excellent example of what is required. There is nothing to prevent, in this day of instant communication, any of us expressing concern to our local leaders as well as those in other countries.

Shadow Minister,
My broad concern is the introduction into Australia of dysfunctional "cultures",
as I believe it is counter to Australia's long-term interests.
FGM is just one of the many pathologies which some of these "cultures" bring along as baggage.
It just so happens that one particular "culture" brings with it so many pathologies
that the costs far outweigh the benefits, which are.....

(Brief benefit/cost analysis)

Benefits:
making progressives feel good about themselves,
falafels,
uum...
nearly forgot "diversity"!
uum...

Costs/pathologies:
honour killings,
terrorist threats,
terrorist acts,
female genital mutilation,
inhumane halal slaughtering,
ghettoisation,
welfare dependence/fraud,
high incarceration rates,
polygamy,
segregated prayer rooms (in universities!),
letterbox "ladies" robbing banks,
threats to free speech,
death threats to cartoonists, publishers, authors, film makers,
attempted murders of cartoonists (Westergaard),
murders of film makers (van Gogh),
beheading of infidels (Pearl),
etc, etc

Which rational country would invite these sorts of problems to its shores?
The answer is simple for those who will clear the scales from their eyes.