Prospective
In the 2005 Act, after section 5R (as inserted by section 1) insert—
(1)The Scottish Ministers may give guidance to such persons, or such descriptions of persons, as they consider appropriate about—
(a)the effect of this Act or any provision of it, or
(b)any other matters relating to female genital mutilation.
(2)A person exercising public functions to whom guidance is given under this section must have regard to it in the exercise of those functions.
(3)The Scottish Ministers may not give guidance under this section to—
(a)any court or tribunal,
(b)the Lord Advocate,
(c)a procurator fiscal.
(4)The Scottish Ministers may from time to time revise any guidance given under this section.
(5)Subsections (2) and (3) have effect in relation to any revised guidance.
(6)Guidance given under this section (including any revised guidance) must be published in such manner as the Scottish Ministers think fit.”.