Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bissau (Agenzia Fides) - "I would like to thank Parliament for the approval of the law against female genital mutilation in our country. It is a sign of great commitment to protect the most vulnerable of our society", said the Bishop of Bissau, Archbishop José Camna, in a note sent by the Curia of Bissau to Fides. The measure had been discussed since 2000 but had never come to any final settlement, said the note. According to Bishop Camna probably some values prevailed that pushed MPs to find a safe way to proceed and not to allow human rights to be overridden by the subjective views of certain groups. The Catholic Church, by virtue of the passed law , will continue to cooperate with civil authorities to ensure the protection of children. The law was passed by 64 votes in favor, 3 abstentions and 1 vote against, and provides for sentences of one to five years in prison for those who practice female genital mutilation. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 06/10/2011)
