| At least 500,000 females in the U.S. have undergone or are at risk for Female Genital Mutilation/cutting (FGM/C; Krupa, 2017). More than 100 female children in the U.S have been affected (Krupa, 2017). In the last few years, the practice of FGM/C has been documented among immigrants and refugees in the US (Brown, 2018). Shaeer (2013) indicated that FGM/C occurs among Muslims girls 55.4% in comparison in other groups that practice this custom (Shaeer, 2013). This research examines whether those who strongly support religious freedom will support the right of individuals living in the U.S. to practice FGM/C for religious purposes. The researcher conducted a survey at Idaho State University (ISU). The survey collected the public opinions of ISU students, age 18 and up about religious freedom. Approximately 320 respondents completed the survey. Those who are international, trust the U.S. government, support the right of parents to refuse health care for their children, and support the right to take breaks to pray are more likely to support FGM/C under the umbrella of religious freedom in the US and abroad. |