FGM/C has a long history in the United States, and currently, over half a million women and girls in the US are believed to be at risk or have undergone it.
2013 – The Population Reference Bureau estimated that there were 2,658 girls and women at risk of FGM/C in Connecticut. Past attempts to advance a bill on FGM/C in the state of Connecticut failed for multiple reasons, including not having enough support and the bill not being survivor-led.
2020 – The Connecticut Coalition to End FGM/C was formed to advocate for legislative change in the state. Around the same time, a Change.org petition was created by Sahiyo Co-founder and Executive Director Mariya Taher and Sahiyo Advisory Board member Zehra Patwa. The petition has since been signed by over 80,000 people. The Coalition hosted a virtual forum with The Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity & Opportunity CT General Assembly (CWSEO).
2022 – The Coalition hosted a webinar with CWSEO to emphasize the prevalence of FGM/C as a local Connecticut issue.
2023 – Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont and Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz issued a proclamation and citation, respectively, officially recognizing February 6th as International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM/C.
2024 – The Coalition presented a panel discussion in Hartford prior to the start of the legislative session. The Connecticut Judiciary Committee failed to advance a bill that would have banned FGM/C, implemented civil remedies, and provided education. The Governor and Lieutenant Governor reissued proclamations and citations recognizing February 6th as International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM/C (including in 2025).
2025 – The bill “An Act Concerning The Prevention Of Female Genital Mutilation” was introduced in the Connecticut General Assembly, later designated as Bill #1438. Members of The Coalition and allies testified before the Connecticut Judiciary Committee in support of amending Bill #1438. Following the hearing, Bill #1438 was passed out of the Judiciary Committee to the Senate. The draft passed did not include civil remedies for survivors and educational provisions.