A NORTHERN suburbs couple have made a brief appearance in court today, accused of organising the illegal circumcision of their baby girl in Bali.

The couple, who cannot be named for legal reasons, made a brief appearance in Joondalup Magistrates Court today.

During the court appearance, the parents spoke only to confirm that they understood the charges against them.

Magistrate Steven Sharratt released them on personal undertaking bail to next appear in Perth Magistrates Court on December 12.

The 44-year-old father and 42-year-old mother were charged by Child Abuse Squad detectives last month over the genital mutilation procedure.

Police will allege the parents committed an offence on August 17 at Perth Airport when they intended to take the girl overseas to subject her to female genital mutilation.

Female circumcision is performed is some cultures for religious or customary reasons but is illegal in Australia.

Under Section 306(4) of the Criminal Code in WA, it is illegal to perform, arrange or take a child out of the state for such a procedure.

Last month, Child Protection Minister Robyn McSweeney described the practise as abhorrent.

"While I can’t comment specifically on this case, female circumcision is an abhorrent practise and one which is illegal in Western Australia. It is mutilation and should be stamped out worldwide,'' Ms McSweeney said.