Dear Banjo,

It certainly not easy dealing with and or understanding
the habits of other cultures. I have to admit that I
don't know that much about FGM - except that it is a
very controversial issue and illegal in Australia.
But as we know making something illegal is not going to
stop some people from breaking the law.

As you say - perhaps with this case - this may indeed be
the beginning of stronger control, though how successful it
will be - I guess only time will tell.

Thank Goodness that we don't have cultures that want to
practice cannibalism here - eh? (joke).

Interesting question, Banjo, re "...flesh removed..."

FGM is barbaric, yet it's really the "degree" of flesh removal that is the major distinction between FGM and male circumcision - not the "principle" of removing natural/normal genital flesh for whatever reason.

Perhaps nothing has been done about it before because police action would mean that those practicing FGM would stop bringing girls to the hospital for treatment after the procedure. Whatever the reason the practice should not be allowed.

Death has walked hand in hand with this practice for century,s.
Often carried out by near butchers, its roots go back ,research, to controlling females.
It has no place here, and yes not all Muslims do it, other races, far less do it, remember Africa is mostly Muslim.
Can we ignore the deaths, pain,unnecessary suffering, because some think it is culture/serving God?
What other group of migrants ever,
Bought with them a need to disobey our laws, inflict such torture and hide it from us?
My point is not one and we are the better for them coming here .
The3 best doco I ever saw against the practice came from within the Muslim world, it used the very words I do.

I'm going right out on a limb here, by only possessing children, all of the male gender...

What is the true reason/motivation that (some) people of certain cultures, seek to undertake such a 'procedure' ?

And in those countries, from where these cultures originate, is the 'procedure' carried out in a hospital environment or in a sort of 'backyard' setting ?

Sorry for such inane questions folks.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Female_genital_mutilation
o sung wo we would be better for much more questions like yours.
So very many put views forward without truly understanding.
My opinions are often heated on this issue.
And those practicing it here and any place.
I offer in my defense a link, a thousand could be found.
In Africa little more than witch doctors often carry out this shameful mutilation.
Death is a constant.
Invite readers to read the link.