SF May Ban Infant Circumcision By MATT BAUME
Tue, Feb 22, 2011
Self-described "civil rights advocates" say that a ballot proposition to ban circumcision
is on track for gathering signatures, meaning that San Franciscans may vote on the
measure this November.
The proposed law is being spearheaded by local resident Lloyd Schofield, according to
the San Francisco Examiner.
It's part of a national push to end the procedure, which some say is steeped in tradition
but poses risks and has little medical benefit. The American Academy of Pediatrics and
the American Medical Association do not recommend routine circumcision.
Getting on the ballot is the easy part -- only about 7,000 signatures are required.
Once it's there, advocates will have to convince voters that snipping off body parts
is a bad idea.
Although some studies indicate that circumcision reduces the risk of STD transmission,
others have indicated that the procedure is not worth the associated risks and diminished
sexual function.
Several Jewish organizations have weighed in against the ban as well, pointing out that
circumcision rituals play an important historical role for many Jews. Schofeld counters that
under his proposed law, adults would be free to opt-in to circumcision, but infants would
not be allowed to have the procedure until they reach 18.
If it passes, those caught cutting foreskins would face a fine of $1,000 and a year in prison.
Only people over the age of 18 would be allowed to have their foreskins removed.
http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/politics/116618063.html?1