The Circumcision Referendum: A Liberal Jewish Perspective June 9th, 2011

“Orthodox Jews argue that prohibiting the circumcision of children would be a restriction on religious freedom. However, the state has regularly restricted religious freedom when it is felt that such practices would be deleterious to minors. The obvious example is the over-riding of the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ ban on blood transfusions for their children. The issue with circumcision is not one of life and death*, but it does seem to me that the San Francisco referendum would not ipso facto be unconstitutional.

[…]

Despite having circumcised my two sons, the more I think about the issue, the more likely – were I a resident of San Francisco – I would support the referendum.”

Full writing here: http://www.sandfordborins.com/2011/06/09/the-circumcision-referendum-a-liberal-jewish-perspective/

*Note: Circumcision causes immediate damage to the penis, has resulted in numerous cases of botches which require surgery or additional medical treatment, and it has also been known to kill.

Male circumcision and sexual function in men and women

“CONCLUSIONS: Circumcision was associated with frequent orgasm difficulties in Danish men and with a range of frequent sexual difficulties in women, notably orgasm difficulties, dyspareunia and a sense of incomplete sexual needs fulfilment. Thorough examination of these matters in areas where male circumcision is more common is warranted.”

Further info here: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=21672947

Global Survey of Circumcision Harm

“The Global Survey of Circumcision Harm (GSCH) was launched because the medical community has never investigated the long-term adverse physical, sexual, emotional or psychological consequences of infant/childhood circumcision on the health of adult men. This is due, in part, to many men with such harm not being comfortable enough to speak with others about these issues, or not being given a safe venue in which to document these adverse consequences. Until the medical community investigates these consequences, the internet remains an alternate venue offering these men the comfort level they require to document such harm.

The survey is a grassroots, all-volunteer effort to provide an online self-report and documentation method for any male who considers himself harmed by childhood genital cutting imposed on him without his fully informed consent. It is hoped that documenting such consequences and making the results publicly accessible through our related website (see below) will provide a starting point for dialogue about the long-term adverse consequences of male genital cutting. It is hoped that this harm will be investigated by medical communities and taken seriously by the societies where customs of male childhood genital cutting occur.”

Further info and survey here: http://circumcisionharm.info/

Time to ban male circumcision?

“If passed, article 50 will ban genital cutting for boys in San Francisco, with profound religious implications for Jews and Muslims. But isn't it time to oppose all circumcision?”

Full article here: http://www.guardian.co.uk/law/2011/jun/14/circumcision-ban-row-san-francisco

Beyond the Bris

“Welcome to Beyond the Bris, the web-based multimedia project that's putting real faces and voices to the current Jewish movement against circumcision. This dynamic site is being created by, for and about Jews who are united in our belief that cutting children’s genitals is wrong, regardless of their religion or gender. As our name implies, an increasing number of Jewish people are moving in a more ethical, more humanitarian and more Jewish direction: beyond the bris.”

Website here: http://www.beyondthebris.com/

The "Anti-Semite" Card No Longer Washes

“As predicted, the current bid to ban circumcision in San Francisco is causing commotion. And, as predicted, religious groups, particularly Jewish organizations, are working hard to condemn the measure as anti-Semitic. It seems circumcision advocates have found the perfect scapegoat, however, and they're milking it for everything it's worth.

The scapegoat in question is the latest issue of "Foreskin Man," a comic book that portrays a hero who saves defenseless babies from crazed maniacs intent on circumcising them. The villain in the latest issue happens to be a mohel, and the author's portrayal of him isn't exactly kosher. The imagery of the villain, or "Monster Mohel" as he is called, are very disturbing, because to some, it recalls Nazi German anti-Semitist propaganda.

Perhaps the creation of this comic wouldn't have garnered so much attention, if it weren't for the fact that the creator, Matthew Hess, also happens to be the president of MGM Bill, which is an organization working to enact legislation that would ban the circumcision of minors unless it is medically necessary. The comic book has become a lightning rod for criticism of not only the proposed ballot measure in San Francisco, but also for the entire intactivist movement as a whole. Opponents to the measure are waving it around as "proof" that intactivists are all anti-Semites, and now, instead of the issues, intactivists are fending off accusations of anti-Semitism.”

Full article here: http://joseph4gi.blogspot.com/2011/06/anti-semite-card-no-longer-washes.html