Legislative Updates: Connecticut Moves Closer to Passing a Bill to Support Survivors of Female Genital Cutting
It’s been a busy year so far in Connecticut when it comes to advocating to end female genital cutting, (FGC)! Here are some updates we’d like to share with you all: Legislative Developments On February 4th, in honor of International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C), State Representative Jillian Gilchrest and State Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria along with the Connecticut Coalition to End FGMC held a press conference to raise awareness about FGM/C and introduce House Bill 6596: An Act Concerning The Prevention Of Female Genital Mutilation. This proposed bill aims to establish educational programs, provide civil remedies for survivors, and prohibit FGM/C in the state. Connecticut remains one of only nine states without legislation protecting children from FGM/C. Here’s what one of the event speakers, Zehra Patwa, had to say about the press conference: “It was an honor to be invited to share my experience as a survivor at a press conference at the State Capitol on February 4, 2025, in recognition of International Day of Zero Tolerance of FGM/C. Since discovering in my 40s that I was cut as a child, I have worked to ensure no other girls go through what I, and so many other girls in communities who practice FGM/C, went through. I thank Lt Governor Susan Bysiewicz, chair of the Governor’s Council on Women and Girls, and Rep Gillian Gilchrest, along with all the sponsors of bill 6596, who have lent their unwavering support to end this harmful cultural practice on girls in Connecticut. It is comforting to me that this bill has bipartisan support through the tireless efforts of the Coalition to End FGM/C and I beg the House to pass this bill as soon as possible so that not one more girl has to live with the trauma that FGM/C can cause. Because one girl cut is one too many.” The bill has now made its way to the Joint Committee on Judiciary, a crucial step in ensuring legal protections are put in place for FGC survivors and at-risk individuals. Recognizing The International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM/C Connecticut’s Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, a strong advocate for passing legislation on this critical issue of FGM/C, and who also attended and spoke at the Feb 4th Press conference presented, shared with the public that her office had issued a citation recognizing February 6th as International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM/C. This citation also commended the work of the Connecticut (CT) Coalition to End FGM/C, of which Sahiyo is a founding member, and it acknowledged our coalition’s ongoing advocacy efforts to urge collective action to protect women and girls from FGM/C. The Governor of Connecticut, Ned Lamont, also issued a Proclamation from his office, which Bysiewicz presented to the crowd at the press release as well. Moving Forward Ahead of the public hearing for the Joint Judiciary Committee, date yet to be set, our Coalition is urging Connecticut lawmakers to support passage of House Bill 6596, ensuring that this legislation moves forward into law. We also call on Connecticut residents to join the movement to protect women and girls from FGM/C by signing our Call to Action to urge your Connecticut representatives to sponsor and support this bill.
Connecticut’s Lieutenant Governor Recognizes International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM/C
The Connecticut (CT) Coalition to End FGM/C, of which Sahiyo is a founding member, is so pleased to see that Connecticut’s Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz has issued a citation to recognize February 6th as International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM/C, a day to “take time to support women and girls” and end this harmful form of gender-based violence. In the citation, the Lieutenant Governor uplifts the ongoing efforts of the Connecticut Coalition to End FGM/C to protect women and girls from female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C). This recognition comes as the CT Coalition renews our push for passage of House Bill 6596 in the 2025 legislative session. The bill aims to establish educational programs, provide civil remedies for survivors, and criminalize FGM/C in the state. Connecticut remains one of only nine states without legal protections against this harmful practice. This citation serves as a meaningful acknowledgment of the work our coalition has done to raise awareness, advocate for policy changes, and support survivors in Connecticut. We are grateful for this public awareness and see it as a reminder of the importance of continuing the CT Coalition’s mission to ensure that every child in the state is protected from FGM/C. A special thank you to all the advocates, community members, and partners who stand with us in this effort. We invite you to join us by continuing to raise awareness and support legislation to protect women and girls by signing our Call to Action and urging your CT representatives to ban FGM/C. Stay tuned for more updates on House Bill 6596 and upcoming advocacy initiatives.
Calling CT Residents to Action – Ban FGM/C in Connecticut
Connecticut legislatures have recently introduced House Bill 6596 to protect girls and women from female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C). Connecticut is one of only nine states without legislation protecting children from FGM/C. FGM/C is a human rights violation and an extreme form of gender-based violence which causes severe physical and psychological damage. The introduction of this bill is a result of countless hours of advocacy from survivors and activists alike. The work, however, is not done! Connecticut has not yet made it clear that FGM/C is an intolerable criminal offense in the state. Right now, in Connecticut alone, at least 2,658 women and girls have been subjected to or are at-risk of undergoing FGM/C. Surrounding states, such as New York and Massachusetts, have already banned FGM/C, potentially making Connecticut a refuge for those seeking to continue the harmful practice. It is up to the residents of Connecticut to demand that their state legislators prioritize the passage of this bill – which also would seek to create community education and outreach programs to address the human rights violations in the broader public. Want to help us make Connecticut the 42nd state to protect women and girls from FGM/C by encouraging and supporting the passing of this bill? Sign our Call to Action and urge your state representatives to ban FGM/C. All you need to do is fill out your contact info and then hit send. The rest (what is in brackets) will automatically be filled out for you and sent to your legislator. Thank you for your support!