I think the “ick” factor is why this is such an issue not only for Savage but for every secular person I’ve spoken to or read on the issue including the District Judge who split hairs she never would have otherwise to avoid strict scrutiny.
That’s why I virulently defend MBP to anyone (secular and interested) listening. My emotions about MBP are similar to my emotions about smoking in this regard. Ya, it’s not healthy but it’s not treated fairly.
On the other hand, half of me thinks that even with strict scrutiny the reg should be left alone.
All of me thinks that the purpose of the reg is appropriate (albeit half unconstitutional): make sure parents know what’s happening, and make sure a murdering Mohel is on the hook the first time before others are murdered (or negligently manslaughtered… whatever you want to call the act of making a baby dead because they didn’t care enough).