German court bans circumcision for non-medical reasons
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Anonymous
| Hmm, I have to disagree that it is rarely a religious thing. I have two Jewish friends that were really torn about the issue recently. They weren't strongly opposed to it, but didn't feel it was medically necessary, and probably wouldn't have done it but for the religious aspect. |
Anonymous
| A court shouldn't have this power but I could get behind a legislative bill that banned it WITH a religious exemption. For observant Jews and Muslims it is an important act. |
Anonymous
| I also consider it anti-semitic. |
Anonymous
| Germany has a population of 80 million. 200000 of them are jewish, and only half of them actually practice their religion. That's not even 1% of the country. Somehow I doubt that they made this decision to "get back at the jews"... |
Anonymous
| Didn't someone earlier say the case actually involved Muslims? |
Anonymous
Yes, but the ruling affects everyone in the region who would want to circ for religious reasons. |
Anonymous
Yes. But I'm going to guess there are now more Turks and other Muslims in Germany than Jews. So if this measure is "out to get" anyone, I'd think it would be the Muslims. |
Anonymous
|
They banned circumcision on children who can not authorize the procedure, so it isn't completely banned.
I don't think they are out to get any particular group. I think they think the procedure is really barbaric (not saying I agree...but can appreciate the sentiment) and shouldn't be performed on someone who can not give consent. I definitely can see how this decision could be construed as anti-semitic. In a sense, it is, in that the German court does not acknowledge people's right to religious freedom (with this decision). That being said...what is policy in U.S. on treating children of Christian Scientists (who refuse medical treatment)...can they refuse for their kids on grounds of religion? And if not, how is this really different than German decision? |
Anonymous
| I think this ruling extends government power too uncomfortably into people's private lives. |
Anonymous
I was being sarcastic 
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Anonymous
This describes me. Frankly, I'm appalled at the decision. Given Germany's history, they need to be bending backwards not to infringe on anyone's religious practice. This is especially true when the evidence of harm for male circumcision is mixed, at best (compared to the evidence of risk of female cutting, which is overwhelming). |
Anonymous
REALLY PP? You think denying parents right to remove a body part from unconsenting children is akin to the holocaust? Holy shit. |
Anonymous
Thank you for pointing that out. Someone mentioned the large Turkish population, but generally they don't practice circumcision in early infancy. |
Anonymous
| 13:29, You have no idea what you are talking about. Circumcision is OFTEN if not ALWAYS about religion in my Jewish friends' circles. Many feel very conflicted abut it, but there is an inner pull to do this seemingly painful, possibly unuseful thing to your 8 day old. We are VERY conflicted, yet do it because of our faith. I am actually shocked by Germany's decision, and will bounce it off my German friend to see what he thinks... |
Anonymous
| PP here...and BTW, male circumcision is NOTHING like female circumcision at all. |