Horror in Sweden! All 30 girls in one school class have been genitally mutilated!

[Peikko 1,575]

The obvious being that it is a cultural phenomena, not a religious one. Yes, it is perfectly obnoxious and the practice should be stopped whenever and whenever possible. I agree with Gegel though, there is hypocrisy from the Religious right wing of the US. Being able to make one's own reproductive choices is a fundamental right. A fetus is not the same as a live born baby and no amount of bait and switch on that matter is going to change that fact. As such, all women should have the right to make those choices without being hounded by religious extremists.

[mota bhai 2,675]

Libtalk: "FGM is okay because Texas has less than half a dozen abortion clinics."

[Peikko 1,575]

Libtalk: "FGM is okay because Texas has less than half a dozen abortion clinics."

Well, that's one crazy interpretation of what's been said

[JohnR! 5,495]

Libtalk: "FGM is okay because Texas has less than half a dozen abortion clinics."

That is your interpretation and you're entitled to it.

Edited June 20, 2014 by Gegel

[GandD 5,966]

I also agree with that, however, so many abuses are committed under the guise of religion. Even in a developed country like the US we have religion as the basis for denying women the right to decide about their own reproductive choices. In that sense our women are not much more protected than these girls in Sweden. Albeit on different decks, they are all on the same boat.

How can people be so against organized Christianity in the US yet run to the defense of Islam anytime its tarnished. Its all junk, IMO. So is prizing culture and tradition as the guiding force of our advancement into the future. The past is to be respected and studied, not adhered to.

The obvious being that it is a cultural phenomena, not a religious one. Yes, it is perfectly obnoxious and the practice should be stopped whenever and whenever possible. I agree with Gegel though, there is hypocrisy from the Religious right wing of the US. Being able to make one's own reproductive choices is a fundamental right. A fetus is not the same as a live born baby and no amount of bait and switch on that matter is going to change that fact. As such, all women should have the right to make those choices without being hounded by religious extremists.

Genital mutilation of a female is not on the same level as pro-choice vs pro-life.

[Peikko 1,575]

How can people be so against organized Christianity in the US yet run to the defense of Islam anytime its tarnished. Its all junk, IMO. So is prizing culture and tradition as the guiding force of our advancement into the future. The past is to be respected and studied, not adhered to.

No one said that christianity was responsible for anti-abortion views. Many christians are on board with the idea that it's a personal decision and should not be illegal. What was said was that there are hypocrites within the christian movement who abhor abortion and would prefer it to be totally illegal and never an option who decry muslims for embracing female mutilation. The fact is that neither is a sticking point for either religion. The only religion that actually insists on genetic mutilation is judaism, and I personally don't understand that requirement either. I wonder if there are in fact modern jews who would accept a non circumsised male as jewish? It's about time they did.

[Peikko 1,575]

How can people be so against organized Christianity in the US yet run to the defense of Islam anytime its tarnished. Its all junk, IMO. So is prizing culture and tradition as the guiding force of our advancement into the future. The past is to be respected and studied, not adhered to.

Genital mutilation of a female is not on the same level as pro-choice vs pro-life.

For the individual it very well could be. The difference is that all women are potentially affected by genital mutilation and only some women face the abortion decision. For the ones that face it, the consequences of having to run the gauntlet of anti-abortion fanatics can be fatal.

[JohnR! 5,495]

Genital mutilation of a female is not on the same level as pro-choice vs pro-life.

We agree. Genital mutilation and denying women control over their reproduction are not on the same level, but they fall under the same category. They are two different decks on the same boat.

[Peikko 1,575]

I agree that culture is not something that should in fact demand respect regardless of the consequences. Some cultural phenomena, such as genital mutilation should be outright squashed as barbaric.

[JohnR! 5,495]

How can people be so against organized Christianity in the US yet run to the defense of Islam anytime its tarnished. Its all junk, IMO. So is prizing culture and tradition as the guiding force of our advancement into the future. The past is to be respected and studied, not adhered to.

I believe some people do so to point out the blatant hypocrisy of those who indict Islam and give Christianity a pass. Both religions worship the one and same god, therefore anyone who actually believes that god would command either differently can only be a hypocrite. That is my opinion as to why some insist on pointing out the hypocrisy.

[The Nature Boy 4,224]

I believe some people do so to point out the blatant hypocrisy of those who indict Islam and give Christianity a pass. Both religions worship the one and same god, therefore anyone who actually believes that god would command either differently can only be a hypocrite. That is my opinion as to why some insist on pointing out the hypocrisy.

I fully believe that without a strong Constitution that prohibits any kind of govt endorsed relgion and our forefathers great wisdom in making that happen, our religious idiots would be as bad as their religious idiots

I can promise you that if they could get away with it many of the Fundies in my neck of the woods could be whipped into a lets stone some homosexuals to death frenzy

[2ndMessiah 184]

I fully believe that without a strong Constitution that prohibits any kind of govt endorsed relgion and our forefathers great wisdom in making that happen, our religious idiots would be as bad as their religious idiots

I can promise you that if they could get away with it many of the Fundies in my neck of the woods could be whipped into a lets stone some homosexuals to death frenzy

You hang onto that idea.......

Its a shame that idea has been slowly and systematically eroded in the US by rich /powerful religious factions.

People talk about the downfall of the USA by socialism. They are looking in the wrong direction.

And to get back onto track.

Female (or even male) genital mutilation is just plain wrong for whatever reason.

Edited June 20, 2014 by 2ndMessiah

[GandD 5,966]

I agree that culture is not something that should in fact demand respect regardless of the consequences. Some cultural phenomena, such as genital mutilation should be outright squashed as barbaric.

Sorry, I'm of the mindset that religion and culture are two sides of the same coin.

Edited June 20, 2014 by GandD

[MyLittlePony 340]

those countries are sick and disturbed.

[GandD 5,966]

We agree. Genital mutilation and denying women control over their reproduction are not on the same level, but they fall under the same category. They are two different decks on the same boat.

Well from you and I's perspective yes. But if you actually believe abortion is murdering another "human being" then it's not. Now we can talk all day about why but it doesn't matter. Pro-life people are trying to "in their mind" save a life. Genital mutilation has no such noble overtones other than perhaps promoting moral fiber or some bs which is clearly not a life or death issue.

For the individual it very well could be. The difference is that all women are potentially affected by genital mutilation and only some women face the abortion decision. For the ones that face it, the consequences of having to run the gauntlet of anti-abortion fanatics can be fatal.

A small percentage which I would give you but you wouldn't let me use my small percentage rape example in the other thread. (the emoti makes it fun)