Shortly after Michigan lawmakers voted to make female genital mutilation a state crime, U.S. Rep. Dave Trott, R-Birmingham, is hoping to increase the federal penalty for the offense.

Under the Stopping Abusive Female Exploitation (SAFE) Act, introduced by Trott and Rep. Carolyn Maloney of New York Thursday, the federal penalty for female genital mutilation would be increased to 15 years in prison. The bill would also encourage states to enact reporting requirements for suspected female genital mutilation.

Currently, the federal penalty for the charge is five years. According to a press release from Trott’s office, that’s low when compared to other countries — the penalty in the United Kingdom is up to 14 years, and the penalty in France for the crime is up to 20 years.

U.S. Rep. Dave Trott endorses stricter penalties for female genital mutilation – MLive