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Uganda bans female genital mutilation

KAMPALA, Uganda, Dec. 12 (UPI) -- Female genital mutilation has been outlawed in Uganda under a bill passed unanimously by the Parliament, lawmakers said.

Ugandans convicted of the practice, also known as female circumcision, face up to 10 years in prison. If a girl dies from the surgery, which involves cutting off the clitoris to reduce sexual feeling, convicted offenders would be sentenced to life in prison.

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"A majority of Ugandans felt it is a disgusting act, but you have to remember that this is a cultural belief that has been practiced for generations," government spokesman Fred Opolot told CNN in a story published Saturday.

The bill passed late Thursday could be amended to include compensation for victims of genital mutilation, said Alice Alaso, a member of Parliament.

"Our goal is to protect these girls, and we will continue to do so," she said.

An estimated 3 million women and girls are subjected to genital mutilation annually in Africa, Asia, India, Indonesia and Malayasia, United Nations documents said.

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