By: Khushi Prakash
On Monday, March 2nd, SB 259 was heard before the Connecticut General Assembly’s Judiciary Committee. The hearing brought together advocates, policy experts, and survivors who testified to the urgent need for comprehensive state-level protections against FGM/C. They include:
- Mariya Taher, Executive Director and co-founder of Sahiyo
- Zehra Patwa, co-founder of WeSpeakOut and Sahiyo governing board chair
- Kaitlin Mitchell, the Policy and Advocacy Coordinator for the U.S. End FGM/C NetworkRosemary Lopez, Women’s Policy Analyst at the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity & Opportunity
- Anastasia Law, Legal Advisor for North America at Equality Now
Together the speakers highlighted the serious physical, psychological, and social harms associated with FGM/C. Advocates emphasized that comprehensive legislation must go beyond criminalization alone, because of the need to ensure that policy responses reduce stigma, support impacted communities, and prioritize prevention while still holding those responsible for allowing FGM/C to continue. .
SB 259 has received tremendous support this legislative session with co-sponsors including Senator John Kissel and Representatives Nicole Klarides-Ditria, Gary Turco, Kate Farrar, Josh Elliott, Eleni Kavros DeGraw, Nick Menapace, Sarah Keitt, Dominique E. Johnson, Representative Jillian Gilchrest, and Representative. Mary M. Mushinsky.
As the legislative process continues, advocacy will remain essential in ensuring Connecticut adopts comprehensive protections for those children at risk of FGM/C. We urge you to support the protection of children from FGM/C in Connecticut by signing this petition calling for legislative action.
If you are a Connecticut resident, contact your state legislatures and urge them to prioritize and advance this bill.
To watch the full hearing, visit the CT-N coverage here.
