Over 12,250 people signed a petition to put an proposal on the November 8th ballot, which would “make it a misdemeanor to circumcise, excise, cut or mutilate the foreskin, testicles or penis of another person who has not attained the age of 18.” The ban was supported by 87% of SF Appeal readers who voted in our not-terribly scientific poll, but is viewed, it’s reported today, far less favorably by several religious groups.
As the Ex reports, the SF InterFaith Council, which is composed of various Muslim and Christian groups, will do everything in its power to oppose the measure.
San Jose’s Islamic Networks Group also opposes the proposed ban, and a representative from SF’s Anti-Defamation League tells the Ex that circumcision “is an important tradition, and when it comes to an attack on religion, or choice, I think Muslims, Jews, Christians will all respond.”
“It definitely does cross the line of religious freedom,” said Ameena Jandali, of the Islamic Networks Group.
Abby Porth, the associate director of the Jewish Community Relations Council tells the Ex she finds the parallels ban sponsor Lloyd Schofield draws between circumcision and female genital mutilation “deeply offensive.”
Appeal commenter PTJ Intactivist, however, appears to be just as offended by those who don’t see the similarity, saying that “circumcision is mutilation and is immoral. You do NOT have the rights to violate another persons body. You don’t OWN them, that is slavery.”
Measure proponent Lloyd Schofield dropped off the signatures at the Department of Elections on Tuesday. The Department will then verify the signatures in an effort to determine if the proposal can qualify for inclusion on the ballot for November’s election.
Meanwhile, the SF InterFaith Council is planning on taking the measure to court, arguing that it potentially violates religious freedom. They also plan, they say, a public affairs campaign against the measure.
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