Circumcision and law

Laws restricting, regulating, or banning circumcision, some dating back to ancient times, have been enacted in many countries and communities. In modern states, circumcision is generally presumed to be legal, but laws pertaining to assault or child custody have been applied in cases involving circumcision. In the case of non-therapeutic circumcision of children, proponents of laws in favor of the procedure often point to the rights of the parents or practitioners, namely the right of freedom of religion. Those against the procedure point to the boy's right of freedom from religion. In several court cases, judges have pointed to the irreversible nature of the act,^[1] the grievous harm to the boy's body,^[2] and the right to self-determination, and bodily integrity.^[3]

^ "German court rules circumcision is 'bodily harm'". BBC News Europe. Archived from the original on 1 September 2019. Retrieved 13 July 2012.
^ "Jewish groups condemn court's definition of circumcision as grievous bodily harm". The Daily Telegraph. London. 27 June 2012. Archived from the original on 16 August 2019. Retrieved 27 June 2012.
^ "US judge rules 9-year-old need not get circumcised". Reuters. 19 January 2007. Archived from the original on 11 September 2020. Retrieved 10 September 2020. In a decision cheered by foes of routine circumcision for boys, a judge ruled on Tuesday that a 9-year-old need not be circumcised as his mother wanted ... . In granting the boy's father an injunction blocking the procedure, the judge said the boy could decide for himself whether to be circumcised when he turns 18.

[bbc.co.uk-1] "German court rules circumcision is 'bodily harm'". BBC News Europe. Archived from the original on 1 September 2019. Retrieved 13 July 2012.

[telegraph-2] "Jewish groups condemn court's definition of circumcision as grievous bodily harm". The Daily Telegraph. London. 27 June 2012. Archived from the original on 16 August 2019. Retrieved 27 June 2012.

[Reut06-3] "US judge rules 9-year-old need not get circumcised". Reuters. 19 January 2007. Archived from the original on 11 September 2020. Retrieved 10 September 2020. In a decision cheered by foes of routine circumcision for boys, a judge ruled on Tuesday that a 9-year-old need not be circumcised as his mother wanted ... . In granting the boy's father an injunction blocking the procedure, the judge said the boy could decide for himself whether to be circumcised when he turns 18.

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