My Content

Germany wants religious circumcision protected
by Associated Press
Jul 15, 2012 | 468 views | 1 1 comments | 3 3 recommendations | email to a friend | print
BERLIN (AP) — The German government wants to ensure Jewish and Muslim parents can continue circumcising their sons despite a local court's ruling that the practice amounts to criminal bodily harm.

A spokesman for German Chancellor Angela Merkel says the government is committed to protecting religious freedom including the ancient practice of circumcision, provided it is carried out responsibly.

Steffen Seibert told reporters in Berlin Friday that the government is seeking a quick solution to resolve the issue.

Jewish and Muslim leaders have protested the Cologne court's ruling in the case of the circumcision of a 4-year-old boy that led to medical complications.

The head of the German Medical Association this week recommended that doctors cease performing circumcisions for religious reasons until the law can be clarified.
Share This Article |
similar stories

US: No plans to end broad surveillance program | 8 days ago by LARA JAKES,AP National Security Writer

Archdiocese expected to appeal Ohio teacher case | 14 days ago by LISA CORNWELL,Associated Press

Policy, discretion guide media sources probes | 28 days ago by MARK SHERMAN,Associated Press

Bradley Manning generates more sympathy abroad | 15 days ago by SYLVIA HUI,Associated Press

Cook of the Week: Kids in the kitchen | 3 days ago by Tasha Bunch

Comments
(1)
Comments-icon Post a Comment
davea0511
|
July 16, 2012
This newsblurb is irresponsible. The fact of the matter is that as of Friday's German-court ruling Germany is the ONLY country in the world where it is illegal to perform circumcision, calling it "butchery", when in fact the medical benefits far outweigh the risks (1% reduction of UTI vs 0.2% increase in bleeding/infection which is easily resolved). In the 80's I was a foreign exchange student there and believe me... antisemitism was alive and well there for many there, hiding under their embarrassment of the 1940's death camps. It's quiet and hidden, and everyone pretends it doesn't exist, but Friday's ruling was not just coincidence. Merkel is merely afraid of letting the cat out of the bag. Yes, they must repeal the ruling but we must not forget it. Neither should we forget what happened there a mere 70 years ago. You don't murder 6 million civilians (2 out of 3 european Jews) without a coordinated effort. You think that kind of prejudice disappears overnight? Think again.
Reply
Postings are not edited and are the responsibility of the author. You agree not to post comments that are abusive, threatening or obscene. Postings may be removed at our discretion.