Doctors and parents involved in female genital mutilation will face up to 15 years in prison under new Michigan laws.
Female circumcision or cutting is already a federal crime punishable by five years in prison. Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder signed legislation on Tuesday that creates a state crime with harsher penalties.
The legislation stems from a federal case against six people connected to an India-based Muslim sect called Dawoodi Bohra. They're accused of being involved in the genital mutilation of two girls from Minnesota and four from Michigan at a clinic in suburban Detroit.
Michigan is the 26th state to officially ban the practice, which is common in some parts of the world.
The new laws also require increased public education and lengthen the statutes of limitations to file charges and lawsuits.
The laws take effect in October.
