A Holyrood committee has considered the proposals
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The Scottish Parliament is set to go further than Westminster in responding to cases of female circumcision.
Anyone who takes a young girl abroad for the operation faces prosecution in the Scottish courts.
Westminster made it illegal in 2003 to aid and abet genital mutilation, even if it is carried out overseas.
The law only applies to the children of UK citizens, but the Scottish bill would extend that to children of asylum seekers and other non-UK citizens.
The move, which is known as extra-territorial jurisdiction, is extremely rare.
Vulnerable girls
Deputy Justice Minister Hugh Henry has accepted an amendment moved by Labour MSP Elaine Smith.
He said he was glad Scotland was now offering protection to vulnerable girls whatever their nationality.
Female circumcision was outlawed in Britain in 1985, but is still common in some parts of Africa.
The Female Genital Mutilation (Scotland) Bill is currently passing through Holyrood.