Sherman to Introduce Circumcision Ban Prevention Bill

Ariela Fleisig — June 15, 2011 – 11:47 am | Democrats | Health Care Comments (2) Add a comment

Representative Brad Sherman (D-CA) announced Tuesday that he will soon introduce the Religious and Parental Rights Defense Act of 2011. This bill, authored in light of recent attempts to ban the procedure in San Francisco and Santa Monica, would make it illegal for cities to outlaw circumcision for males under 18. In a statement, Sherman said:

Male circumcision has been practiced for thousands of years and is a deeply important ceremony for two major religions. Circumcision is obligatory for Jewish-born male - it must be performed on the eighth day after birth and is only postponed in the case of threat to the life or health of the child. Muslim parents also circumcise their male children.

Citing the medical benefits of the practice, including a 60% reduction in HIV risk, Sherman stated:

To infringe the religious rights of so many Americans, San Francisco should have some compelling medical reason. However, the medical literature actually shows clear benefits of male circumcision.

Asserting that Congress has a legitimate interest in ensuring circumcision’s availability due to its medical benefits and long-term health care cost reduction, Sherman said that American parents have chosen to circumcise 75% of their male children. He said:

Congress has historically legislated to protect the free exercise of religious rights from state and local intrusions. In 2000, Congress passed the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act, designed to protect religious institutions from unduly burdensome local zoning laws.

Sherman concluded:

The Religious and Parental Rights Defense Act of 2011 ensures that Jewish and Muslim families will continue to be able to enjoy the free exercise of their religious beliefs.

While efforts to put the ban on the Santa Monica ballot were thwarted, the proposed ban will be on the November 2011 San Francisco ballot.

Click here to read Sherman’s full statement.

Click here to read a Jerusalem Post article on the bill.

 

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