A motion on ensuring young girls in the district are safeguarded against female genital mutilation (FGM) was unanimously supported at a full Cherwell District council meeting on Monday.
Councillor Kieron Mallon, who submitted the motion, said: “A tougher response is needed from police and prosecutors; cultural hand wringing has to stop. Anyone who performs or condones such barbaric practices must be made to feel the full force of the law.
“All female babies born in the UK have the right to live a life free of the physical and psychological effects of FGM.”
The practice has been illegal in this country since 1985 but no-one has ever been prosecuted.
Mr Mallon added: “This horrific practice is a violation of the rights of girls across the world, the fact that they are – and have been – taking place in this country whilst being illegal for nearly 30 years is shameful. I ask all councillors to show that we here in this part of the UK are on the side of those small, frightened young girls.”
The health overview and scrutiny committee is now going to be asked to write to the clinical commissioning group and hospital trusts to make sure they have the issue on their agendas.
A year ago Mr Mallon received the full support from Oxfordshire County Council on the motion.
Mr Mallon, who is the vice-chairman of the Thames Valley Police and Crime Panel, discussed the matter at a meeting in September when he asked for the motion to be put to the 18 councils within Thames Valley to raise awareness. The Crime Commissioner Anthony Stansfeld has also made the issue one of his priorities.
The NSPCC has a dedicated helpline. Anyone worried about a child at risk of, or who has had FGM done to them, can call 0800 028 3550 or e-mail fgmhelp@nspcc.co.uk