State lawmakers are taking up new legislation that would ban the practice of female genital mutilation in Michigan.
Female genital mutilation refers to cutting and other procedures that damage the female genital organs for non- medical reasons.
The issue was recently brought to light after a Detroit area doctor was charged with performing the procedure on two Minnesota girls.
A small group of Indian Muslims say the procedure is part of their religion.
Female genital mutilation is illegal under federal law, but there is currently no state laws banning the practice.
Two bills in the Michigan Senate would make female genital mutilation a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
A hearing on the bills is scheduled for 3 p.m. today.
