When a U.S. federal judge ruled recently that a 1996 law prohibiting “female genital mutilation” (FGM) was unconstitutional, it prompted shock and dismay across the political spectrum: How could it be unconstitutional to protect little girls from this form of violence?
I was also disturbed, but not surprised. I have followed the legal developments surrounding FGM in the U.S. for some time and have warned that a ruling like this was bound to happen. In fact, I gave a speech only a few weeks earlier explaining why the U.S. anti-FGM law might have to be struck down. Other Western countries could soon follow suit.