By: Wayne Litke

The Canadian government took a small step last week and landed in the murky waters of female genitalia. It was a small step, long overdue, and was in the right direction.

Some Muslims may not agree with me, and I am sure any critics will be men. After all, it’s easy to suggest women be subject to genital mutilation such as cutting or circumcision because it diverts attention from the male members of that particular belief.
To the credit of the Canadian government, they have taken the bull by the horns, or the heifer by the tail. It’s not always easy to achieve balance  because of varying opinions and differing values. Furthermore, our human nature can (more often than not) cause a person to be blinded to an issue or problem, especially if it is personal or strikes close to home. However, in this case there is no acceptable position on the matter, except to say mutilation of women in any form is unacceptable.
Canada welcomes immigrants, and the cultural diversity they bring strengthens our nation immensely. Our country’s multi-ethnic background and freedom of speech has helped educate every citizen about horrors that immigrants often escape when coming to Canada. Being able to understand and appreciate other cultures makes us stronger as a nation, but some immigrants use our goodwill to enter the country simply for the purpose of profiteering from illegal acts. It is no secret that criminals who have unknowingly been allowed into Canada have gone wholesale into underground activities such human and drug trafficking, prostitution, fraud and money laundering. Gang activity and organized crime are now high on the agenda of some immigrants who use Canada’s judicial system and immigration act in order to remain in the country and pursue criminal activities.
Changes are desperately needed to prevent criminals from entering and remaining within our borders. Their acts also give a black eye to honest and hard-working immigrants who struggle to make a new life in Canada.
Therefore, I was pleased to learn a new citizenship guide has been prepared that advises potential immigrants that barbaric cultural practices are not acceptable. I am sure some ethnic practices that are deemed inappropriate will be challenged all the way to the Supreme Court, so we can only hope that the top magistrates use common sense in determining what is best for all Canadians, especially women.
Immigrants and new Canadians need to understand that forced marriages, spousal abuse and honour killings are criminal acts that will bring swift justice. Barbaric acts of disfigurement such as throwing acid in a woman’s face and the mutilation of female genitalia is a crime.
Customs and traditions can be complex in nature, especially if religion plays into the equation. However, I can’t help but wonder how Muslim males came up with the idea of female circumcision. As a man looking at my Jewish counterparts, it would not be hard to come up with an alternative plan that took the focus off my manhood and placed it as far away as possible–on women.
Some things are wrong no matter how you look at it, and the mutilation of female genitals is definitely at the top of the scale. I realize that it is a minority of Muslims who believe such mutilation is acceptable, and do not want to imply otherwise.
Should I choose to pierce my privates, tattoo my buttocks or do unmentionable things to the boys down below, that is my business. To force such acts on women is unacceptable and definitely a sin that cannot be perpetuated. I am proud our government doesn’t mind stating the obvious to people who wish to bring themselves and their ideas to this great nation.