Jewish and Muslim organizations are joining in an effort to block a San Francisco ballot measure that would ban the circumcision of male children.
The groups filed a lawsuit Wednesday on behalf of Jewish and Muslim families asking a San Francisco judge to remove the initiative from the November ballot. The plaintiffs argue that California law bars local governments from restricting medical procedures.
San Francisco is set to be the first city to hold a public vote on banning circumcision.
The supporters say male circumcision is a form of genital mutilation that parents should not be able to force on their young child. Opponents say a ban on a religious rite considered sacred by Jews and Muslims is a violation of constitutional rights.
(Source: Forbes)
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If the Democratic controlled state legislature were to pass a state statute specifically protected Bris Milah, it would end the discussion. Their tolerance of the blatantly anti-Semitic referendum should make us very concerned the the liberal Democrats (many of whom are secular Jews) are looking for ways to destroy our community.
Akuperma, two liberal Democrats are doing just that. Mike Gatto, a California state assemblyman, introduced a bill this week protecting bris milah from municipal bans.
Brad Sherman, a Jewish Democratic congressman, introduced a federal law to that same effect. I expect both laws will pass.
Almost all Jewish parents–even nonobservant ones–cirucmcise their sons. The Reform and Conservative movements signed a statement along with the OU and ADL strongly opposing the San Fransisco bill.