Wednesday, June 22, 2011
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Jewish and Muslim organizations are joining in an effort to block a San Francisco ballot measure that would ban the circumcision of male children.
The groups filed a lawsuit today on behalf of Jewish and Muslim families asking a San Francisco judge to remove the initiative from the November ballot. The plaintiffs argue that California law bars local governments from restricting medical procedures.
San Francisco is set to be the first city to have a public vote on banning circumcision.
The supporters say male circumcision is a form of genital mutilation that parents should not be able to force on their young child. Opponents say a ban on a religious rite considered sacred by Jews and Muslims is a violation of constitutional rights.