Feb 22, 2011
A self-described "human rights activist" is gathering signatures in San Francisco for a measure on the November ballot to ban circumcisions of infants. The measure very likely would run into
freedom of religion objections if enacted.
"San Francisco resident Lloyd Schofield said Thursday he is 'on track' to have enough signatures to place his proposed measure on the November ballot that would make it illegal to 'circumcise, excise, cut or mutilate the foreskin, testicle or penis of another person who has not attained the age of 18.'"
Circumcisions have been routinely done for most newborn infants in the United States for health reasons, though it is no longer recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics or American Medical Association. Debate over the health benefits (mitigation of STDs, etc) vs. the risks (pain and sexual dysfunction) are ongoing.
More importantly, two major world religions require that babies born in their faiths be circumcised. Jewish infants are circumcised in the eighth day of life by a "mohel" in a solemn ceremony called the "bris" in accordance with Jewish law as set down in the Book of Genesis. In Islam, while not mentioned in the Koran, circumcision is widely practiced and is considered mandatory by many Muslims.
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