Sir, - In response to the letter from the Comhlamh Health and Development Group (May 9th), which says that we need to have sensitivity to the practice of female genital mutilation and the culture that does it, I am appalled to read that there are women out there who would actually say that this practice "is not based on the intention to harm" a girl or woman. Removing the clitoris, so that the woman can no longer experience sexual pleasure, is in my understanding an "intention to harm".
We do not need to be sensitive to this practice or the culture behind it. We need to criminalise this deed. Its practitioners have chosen to live in our country within our culture and education is needed for them to see the light concerning the treatment of women. That will take time, that is all. We should be doing every thing in our power to make sure that not one little girl is mutilated in this country. That's who needs our sensitivity. - Yours, etc.,
Mo Comyn, Glanmire, Co Cork.