Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) & Male Circumcision, is it a social Research Paper - 1

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) & Male Circumcision, is it a social custom or a religious practice - Research Paper Example legally mandated to ensure that all citizens enjoy their rights and happiness, without prejudice or favor because of social, racial, or religious orientation. Male circumcision and female genital mutilation are issues that have raised intense debate on whether they should be treated as religious or social custom practices. However, in view of the historical practices of both male circumcision and female genital mutilation, the practice should be regarded as social but not as religious issue. In addition, United States should not allow these practices among young boys and girls. Researchers have established that female genital mutilation and male circumcision affect the anatomy of the external reproductive organs of both sexes, which ultimately leads to alteration of sensation during sexual intercourse (Toubia, 1993, p31). These findings have been applied for a long time in different societies to achieve different social objectives, including suppression of sexual feelings. According to Dally(1991, p37), female genital mutilation has been in existence for over 4000 years ago and between 80 to 100 million women have undergone the rite in different parts of the world. There are different reasons that proponents of female genital mutilation use to justify the practice. These include the argument that it is a tradition that is prescribed by the religion (Porter, et al 1986, p 652). Moreover Toubia (1993, p62), argues that female genital mutilation is one of the many practices surrounded by myths and beliefs. Unfortunately, these myths and beliefs have been used for so long to justify the perpetuation of the practice in the society. Toubia (1993, p68) notes that in societies where female genital mutilation is prevalent, uncircumcised women do not get marriage partners because such women are perceived to contain several shortcomings. In most societies that practice the vice, uncircumcised women are considered unfaithful to their husbands once they get