Senators Cash, Kroger, Moore and Waters move:
That the Senate-
(a) notes that:
(i) Thursday, 6 February 2014, marked the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM),
(ii) the day has been designated by the United Nations to raise awareness amongst the general public about this practice which violates the human rights of women and girls, and
(iii) approximately 140 million girls and women worldwide are currently living with the consequences of FGM;
(b) recognises that FGM in Australia is prohibited by specific legislation in every jurisdiction;
(c) congratulates the New South Wales Government for moving to increase the maximum penalty for performing FGM from 7 to 21 years; and
(d) supports and encourages ongoing domestic and international efforts to support and empower women and girls affected by FGM and to eliminate the practice of FGM.
Question agreed to.
