Female Genital Mutilation (Protection and Guidance) (Scotland) Bill

# Female Genital Mutilation (Protection and Guidance) (Scotland) Bill Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a harmful practice affecting thousands of women and girls in Scotland, often carried out on children as part of cultural or religious tradition. Despite being illegal in the UK since 1985, and strengthened by legislation in 2003, the practice persists in certain communities, with victims facing serious health complications including infection, complications in childbirth, and psychological trauma. The bill addresses gaps in Scotland's legal framework and the practical challenges faced by healthcare professionals, social workers, and educators in identifying, preventing, and responding to FGM cases. The legislation introduces mandatory reporting requirements for certain professionals (such as teachers, healthcare workers, and social services staff) who have reasonable belief that a child has been subjected to FGM, creating a legal duty to report to police. It establishes clearer guidance for professionals on identifying victims and at-risk girls, enhances protection for girls at risk of FGM (including those at risk of "holiday FGM" abroad), and strengthens support services for survivors. The bill also creates an offence of assisting or encouraging FGM and extends the statute of limitations for prosecution, ensuring perpetrators can be held accountable even when offences occurred years earlier. These provisions aim to create a more protective legal environment and ensure coordinated action across public services to prevent this harmful practice.

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