Councilman David G. Greenfield is outraged at today’s New York City Board of Health vote to restrict the traditional Orthodox Jewish practice of metzitzah b’peh during bris milahs. In response to today’s Board of Health vote, Greenfield released the following statement:

“Today’s vote is a shocking case of this administration overstepping its authority and violating the constitutionally-protected rights of Orthodox Jewish New Yorkers. Every New Yorker who values religious freedom, regardless of their personal beliefs, should join the Orthodox Jewish community in opposing this outrageous case of government intervention into the most fundamental of Jewish religious practices,” said Councilman Greenfield.

Greenfield is working with community leaders to file a lawsuit against the unconstitutional regulation. “It is sad and unfortunate that New York, where personal freedoms and beliefs are held dearly, has become the first local government in the United States to regulate the mitzvah of bris milah. My message to the administration is clear – the Orthodox Jewish community will not rest until this affront on our religious freedom is reversed,” added Greenfield.

(YWN Desk – NYC)