Ekenäs

Points: 737, Level: 14

Activity: 0%

Its just a question, it would be interesting to hear opinions on this one.

Although female circumcision is a painful and unhealthy practice, it has great cultural importance to the people of Somalia and indeed other African cultures. Should somali / african parents who have their young daughters circumcised in Finland be prosecuted ?

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) dates back more than 4,000 years to ancient Egypt. The Phoenicians, Hittites, and ancient Egyptians were among some of the groups of people that first practiced FGM. Between the 19th and mid-20th centuries doctors in Russia, England, France, and the United States performed female circumcision on young and adolescent girls because they believed it would cure hysteria, lesbianism, and god forbid , masturbation. So whilst this practice is now seen as abhorent and illegal by most 'westerners' it is part of life in other countries.

This is just one example really, but the point is, is this acceptable in Finland or anywhere in the EU ?

Gammer

Points: 1,249, Level: 19

Activity: 0%

As what is involved in this i dont believe it is right to do it. Also i feel if they move to finland then they should obey our laws, and if we say it shall not be practised then it shall not be done. And if they choose to ignore this, then kick them out of the country.

reea

Points: 2,330, Level: 29

Activity: 50%

I don't want to be mean or disrespectful to any cultures when I say that, but I also agree with Gammer's point. It's the same thing in Canada. Our laws say no. if you still want to get it, then get out of here and go back to your country. :/ You leave your home country for some reasons, and in the case of African countries and Somalia, it is often to get away from the problems encountered there, so you can run away from them. Well then you shouldn't try to impose changes to your new home country, if laws are a certain way, fallow them. you are the newcomer.

we have a lot of problem lately with immigrants. They make us change our habits and culture for them to fit in more. I am sorry, but when you move to another country, that means you are agreeing to respect their way of life and culture. you shouldn't try to impose your stuff to the native people. We are not even allowed to put a christmas tree in a public place like a work place for example, because it is "disrespectful" to other religions. but they are allowed to bring their "kirpan" (those knives from the islamic religion) to school and people are allowed to keep their "hijad/burka" (I forgot wich one is the one that covers the whole body). Logic anyone? this is just a small problem out of many others.

since I am already ranting (sorry, but I have been really pessimist lately):
also one thing I really dislike about this country(Canada): the fact that the government does NOTHING to help native people (like Amerindians and Inuits). They live in hellholes and the government frankly don't give a damn. No but seriously, they are equal to any other canadian or quebecer and they deserve to be respected and protected. I saw a movie about the problems of the native nations in Quebec last winter, and I found it really disturbing.

Ekenäs

Points: 737, Level: 14

Activity: 0%

The EU, of which Finland is a member has made its position clear.

The European Commission's Delegation to Egypt - About us


“Violating the rights of women or girls can never be justified on grounds of cultural relativism or in the name of tradition” - said Benita Ferrero-Waldner, EU Commissioner for External relations and Neighborhood Policy. “The UN Commission on the Status of Women adopted the Resolution Ending Female Genital Mutilation, recognising that female genital mutilation violates, and impairs or nullifies the enjoyment of the human rights of women and girls. The European Union has made quite clear its position on the unacceptability of traditional practices, both within the Union and in third countries. We need to make sure that all countries understand our position, and advocate for these human rights to be respected, including in the context of human rights dialogues and consultations as well as other policy dialogues with third countries”.

Louis Michel, EU Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, added: “We condemn the practice of Female Genital Mutilation which still occurs in a number of countries. This practice causes a great deal of suffering and is a serious threat to the health of women and girls. We are encouraged that some partner countries have already introduced legislation against this harmful practice but we would stress that the Commission continues to take every opportunity to convince other partners to do the same”.

Ali

Points: 1,822, Level: 25

Activity: 0%

Well these people should be brought to justice. They are living in Finland, must respect the law and culture. I know one thing that It has nothing to do with Islam. I have read the Quran and there is nothing about it.