When Will it Stop?

Today we have yet another example of a government gone awry. The State of Georgia has apparently decided to decree mutilation of the female genitals to be illegal. For those who have heard horror stories about children in remote areas who are mutilated, you might applaud. I might even join you on this one.

But in the end, this bill shows just one more time how a government left unchecked will usurp whatever power they possible can. You see, the bill itself wasn’t good enough. An amendment was added that also made piercings a part of the list of “mutilations”. Moreover, the law will apply to everyone – thus, even adult women who seek the piercings for themselves could perhaps be charged with violating the bill.

When asked about the amendment, sponsor Bill Heath didn’t seem to understand that women may seek genital piercings for themselves. While you may not understand this is something that people do, and while you may not agree, the government has no business telling people what they can and cannot do with their own bodies.

Whether you agree with the bill or not, whether you live in Georgia or not, I say it’s time to let government know what you think. We’re supposed to have a government for the people. Now is the time to let them hear it. If you do live in Georgia, you can even email Mr. Heath directly to let him know!