Connecticut Bans FGM, Protects Girls

0:00Connecticut lawmakers just made female genital mutilation a serious crime. The House voted 145-0 on Tuesday night after the Senate passed it 36-0. If Governor Ned Lamont signs it, the state slaps a class D felony on the practice, with up to five years in prison and $5,000 fines. This puts Connecticut on track to be the 42nd state with these penalties. Earlier this week, the bill cleared both chambers unanimously after years of stalls. It sets up special rules for kids 12 and under to testify, like remote video or sealed courtrooms. Victims can file civil suits up to 30 years after turning 18, even against their parents. Before this, Connecticut was one of just nine states without criminal bans. Mallmakers called it overdue, saying it hurts girls for life with physical and emotional scars. One rep noted more than 2,600 girls in the state face risk or have endured it. They pushed hard, framing the bill as survivor driven to stop future harm and deliver justice.

1:04The push came after four or five failed tries in past sessions. Now it's headed straight to the governor's desk for that final signature. This move catches Connecticut up to the pack, protecting girls and closing a long gap in the law. Local news, powered by AI. This is Hartford News Today. I'm Cory with the story.