Lloyd Schofield of San Francisco was effective in collection 7,700 valid signatures for his suggestion to make male circumcision unlawful. His proposition will be on the city's November ballot. City election administrators have verified it. But the proposal will meet opposition in the form of U.S. Representative Brad Sherman's measure to stop San Francisco and other cites from banning circumcision. The suggested measure is called the Religious and Parental Rights Defense Act of 2011. Source of article - San Francisco to vote on circumcision issue by Newsytype.com.

Making it illegal to do circumcision

If Schofield's measure is passed, circumcision on males under the age of 18 would become a punishable misdemeanor offense. Voting on this is something that has not occurred before. It will be a first. The practice, however, is a custom with religious significance for several faiths.

Some say it is necessary

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

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

Health benefits and disadvantages

Circumcision is a hot controversy. It was debated for a long time. HIV risks drop 60 percent according to a United Nations AIDS agency study. The practice is dangerous, painful and unnecessary, others say.

"Parents are really guardians, and guardians have to do what's in the best interest of the child. It's his body. It's his choice," said Schofield.

A fierce public debate

The public debate over the subject has been hard. Several argue against and for it. "For a city that's renowned for being progressive and open-minded, to even have to consider such an intolerant proposition ... it sets a dangerous precedent for all cities and states," said Rabbi Gil Yosef Leeds, a "mohel," who routinely performs ritual circumcisions on Jewish infants.

Coming from the 'intactivist' group

The "intactivists" are a group of people that work throughout the nation and back the circumcision ban. They do not support any male circumcision. They want it to end throughout the U.S. A comparable bill recommended by a New York intactivist group failed last year in the Massachusetts Legislature.

Citations

Brad Sherman

bradsherman.house.gov/2011/06/sherman-to-introduce-bill-to-protect-male-circumcision.shtml

Huffington Post

huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/15/congressman-to-introduce-_n_877475.html

ABC

abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=13632047