Circumcision, and the Law

By Douglas V. Gibbs

I recently wrote a post about how Massachusetts would like to outlaw circumcision. The response has been tremendous, with many folks arguing that by circumcising a child the parents are forcing their religion, or other views, upon the children.

From a religious aspect, it is important for people of faith to bring their children up in the faith.

The folks that do not share faith in God do not understand that, and therefore see it as forcing one's religion upon the child.

As if they would want their children taught something different than what they believe.

I am especially curious about the argument that the child's freedoms are somehow being trampled on by being circumcised. Once again, the word "force" is used, as in "forcing" the child to be circumcised without the child being able to make the choice.

Yet, these folks that are so enamoured by the freedom of choice do not wish to allow Jews, for example, to make the "choice" to circumcise.

Isn't choice a "one or the other" option?

Understand that people who believe in circumcision have never even considered going to the government to ask that circumcision be mandated. The idea of "forcing" everyone to be circumcised has never been a concern, and I am sure has not crossed the majority of the minds of folks that support the procedure.

But, those who are against circumcision wish to "force" their view upon everyone else with the law, by disallowing the practice completely, without regard to parental or religious views. They say they are right, the foreskin should be intact, and if you don't like it, tough.

Who is forcing who to do what?

Who gave you the right to decide that the Jewish Religion's religious practice of thousands of years, which does not cause harm (I am circumcised and can attest that it caused me no harm - and I don't remember the discomfort of the procedure) should be disallowed? You are forcing your view upon them while claiming that it is wrong to force one's view on a child by circumcising him. Your answer to stopping what you consider to be a forceful procedure is to force folks to abandon thousands of years of religious practices - because you said you are right, and they are wrong, and if they don't like it, tough.

Don't you think that is kind of arrogant? Hypocritical? Dictatorial?

-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary

Massachusetts to Outlaw Circumcision - Political Pistachio