ANTI CIRCUMCISION

An unlikely pair is suing San Francisco to block an anti circumcision referendum: Jews and Muslims. The referendum, which qualified for the November election with petition signatures of 12,000 voters, would make it a misdemeanor to circumcise a boy before his 18th birthday. The maximum penalty would be a year in jail and a $1000 fine.

The lawsuit asserts that the measure should be removed from the ballot on grounds that under state law in California cities cannot prohibit “healing arts” professionals from conducting procedures for which they have a license. Even if the referendum were approved by voters, it would potentially be found unconstitutional as an infringement of freedom of religion. Circumcision is a ritual obligation for Jewish infant boys and a common rite among Muslims. These groups are the largest practicing circumcision in the world.

Critics call it an outdated, ritualistic mutilation. The anti circumcision movement has gained a lot of momentum in recent years.

The lawsuit was filed by the Jewish Community Relations Council of San Francisco and the Anti-Defamation League. Abigail Michelson Porth, associate director fo the Committee for Parental Choice & Religious Freedom, said, “I think this is un-American, I really do. I think that’s hwy we have such tremendous support.”

“The ban does not deny the right to circumcise if a person grows up and determines their religion requires it and that’s what they want to do,” said Marilyn Milos, founder of the Bay area National Organization of circumcision Information Resource Centers. Her point of view is that this is cosmetic, non-medical and unnecessary, surgery performed on a minor who cannot express their own wishes about their own body.

Source: Reuters