College of Policing to Review FGM Guidance Following Controversy Over Inclusion of Biological Males

The College of Policing, the professional body for police in England and Wales, is set to re-examine its guidance on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) following significant backlash over its inclusion of biological males. The controversy gained prominence after public figures, including author Andrew Doyle, criticized the guidance for suggesting men could be at risk of FGM. Doyle, in a recent social media post, stated, "The College of Policing is now claiming that men are at risk of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Yet another reason to abolish this absurd activist quango."

The contentious guidance reportedly emerged within documents for officers investigating "honour-based abuse," specifically in relation to Female Genital Mutilation Protection Orders (FGMPOs). Critics argue that FGM, by its very nature, involves the mutilation of female genitalia, making its application to biological males illogical and deeply offensive to actual victims. Helen Joyce, director of advocacy for the charity Sex Matters, was quoted by The Telegraph asserting, "It should be obvious to anyone with half a brain that men cannot be subjected to ‘female genital mutilation’ – the clue is in the name."

Female Genital Mutilation is internationally defined by the World Health Organization as procedures involving the partial or total removal of external female genitalia or other injury to female genital organs for non-medical reasons. This definition underscores the practice's specific impact on biological females. The inclusion of "trans women" (biological males) in FGM guidance has therefore sparked widespread debate regarding the precise definitions of sex and gender within legal and safeguarding frameworks.

In response to the growing criticism, a College of Policing spokesman confirmed that the body is "re-examining all our authorised guidance." This review comes in the wake of a UK Supreme Court ruling which clarified that a woman is defined by biological sex under equalities law, providing a legal impetus for the re-evaluation of gender-inclusive terminology in policy documents. The College aims to ensure its guidance aligns with current legal interpretations and addresses public concerns.

The ongoing review highlights broader societal discussions around gender identity, biological sex, and the language used in official documents, particularly concerning sensitive issues like FGM. The outcome of the College of Policing's re-examination is anticipated to set a precedent for how such terms are applied in future police and public safety guidelines.