(1) Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, a person is guilty of female genital mutilation when the person knowingly: (a) Commits female genital mutilation on a minor; or (b) Transports a minor, or causes or permits the transport of a minor, for the purpose of the performance of female genital mutilation on the minor. (2) Female genital mutilation is a gross misdemeanor. (3) A medical procedure is not a violation of this section if it is performed by a licensed health care provider and is necessary to the health of the minor. (4) It is not a defense to a violation of this section that a person believes the person's actions were conducted as a matter of culture, custom, religion, or ritual, or that the minor on whom female genital mutilation was performed consented to female genital mutilation, or that the minor's parent or guardian consented to female genital mutilation. (5) For the purposes of this section: (a) "Female genital mutilation" has the meaning provided in RCW 9A.36.175; and (b) "Minor" means any person under the age of 18. [ 2023 c 122 s 7.]
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