Here’s a court video of a case that took place before the law was passed several days ago.

From the page of Michigan Governor Snyder

Individuals convicted of performing female genital mutilation now face stronger criminal penalties under legislation signed today by Gov. Rick Snyder. “Those who commit these horrendous crimes should be held accountable for their actions, and these bills stiffen the penalties for offenders while providing additional support to victims,” Snyder said. “This legislation is an important step toward eliminating this despicable practice in Michigan while empowering victims to find healing and justice.” The bill package amends various public acts to prohibit and prosecute those who perform female genital mutilation. Specifically, the bills prohibit performing genital mutilation, create criminal penalties for offenders, provide sanctions against health care licensees, require increased public education surrounding the topic and extend criminal and civil statutes of limitations. House Bills 4636-4637, sponsored by state Reps. Michele Hoitenga and Diana Farrington, respectively, Senate Bill 337, sponsored by state Sen. Margaret O’Brien, SB 368, sponsored by state Sen. Tonya Schuitmaker, SB 338, sponsored by state Sen. Rick Jones, SB 369, sponsored by state Sen. Judy Emmons, HB 4638, sponsored by state Rep. Daire Rendon, HB 4639, sponsored by state Rep. Klint Kesto, HBs 4641-4642, sponsored by state Reps. Stephanie Chang and Pam Faris, respectively, HB 4661, sponsored by state Rep. Beth Griffin, and HB 4690, sponsored by state Rep. Bronna Kahle are now Public Acts 68-79 of 2017. Snyder also signed two additional bills: […] Senate Bill 410, sponsored by state Sen. Patrick Colbeck, allows for a health professional’s license or registration to be permanently revoked if the individual is convicted of female genital mutilation. It is now Public Act 81 of 2017. For more information on this and other legislation, visit [the Michigan Legislature page.

Will they have to go abroad now to get these done? Let’s hope some visas get revoked.

Further details from this news story:

Michigan is the 26th state to officially ban the practice in the U.S. The state laws take effect in October. The new laws apply to parents or others who knowingly facilitate genital mutilation, including by transporting girls to another state for the procedure. Defendants in such cases will not be able to defend themselves in court by saying it is a custom or ritual. Under the laws, the statute of limitations for criminal charges to be filed will be 10 years or by the alleged victim’s 21st birthday, whichever is later. Victims will be able to sue for damages until their 28th birthday, which is longer than the previous two-year window after the discovery of harm.

It’s one time I’ll be glad to see the litigators.