The issue of Consent in anti-FGM laws
In Africa, many anti-FGM laws imply that if consent is given by a woman or girl, FGM is not a criminal offence (because she has “chosen” to be cut). (1, 2) On the contrary, in most European countries, as well as in Australia, it is the fact that: Whether or not a girl or woman has consented to FGM does not affect the legal status of the act. Nevertheless, in some European countries, consent may reduce the severity of the penalty. (3)