Notes on 18 U.S.C. § 116 : US Code - Notes

Search Notes on 18 U.S.C. § 116 : US Code - Notes

(Added Pub. L. 104-208, div. C, title VI, Sec. 645(b)(1), Sept. 30,
1996, 110 Stat. 3009-709.)
EFFECTIVE DATE
Section 645(c) of div. C of Pub. L. 104-208 provided that: "The
amendments made by subsection (b) [enacting this section] shall
take effect on the date that is 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act [Sept. 30, 1996]."
CONGRESSIONAL FINDINGS
Section 645(a) of div. C of Pub. L. 104-208 provided that: "The
Congress finds that -
"(1) the practice of female genital mutilation is carried out
by members of certain cultural and religious groups within the
United States;
"(2) the practice of female genital mutilation often results in
the occurrence of physical and psychological health effects that
harm the women involved;
"(3) such mutilation infringes upon the guarantees of rights
secured by Federal and State law, both statutory and
constitutional;
"(4) the unique circumstances surrounding the practice of
female genital mutilation place it beyond the ability of any
single State or local jurisdiction to control;
"(5) the practice of female genital mutilation can be
prohibited without abridging the exercise of any rights
guaranteed under the first amendment to the Constitution or under
any other law; and
"(6) Congress has the affirmative power under section 8 of
article I, the necessary and proper clause, section 5 of the
fourteenth Amendment, as well as under the treaty clause, to the
Constitution to enact such legislation."