Germany introduces new circumcision law
Germany's government has sought to quell Jewish and Muslim fury over a court ruling likening circumcision to grievous bodily harm with the introduction of a new law regulating the practice.
Father, son and Great Grandfather at circumcision ceremony Photo: ALAMY
By Matthew Day
3:18PM BST 05 Oct 2012
The bill set before the federal parliament allows circumcision on religious grounds but only when it does not threaten the health of the child and should be as "pain free as possible".
Older children, the bill states, have the right to abstain from circumcision.
The drafting of the new law comes amid widespread and simmering anger in Germany's Muslim and Jewish communities over the decision in June by a Cologne court.
The ruling, prompted by a circumcision that caused an infection, led to some areas of Germany banning circumcision amid legal uncertainty and fears that doctors performing the procedure could face criminal charges.
It also led to allegations of anti-Semitism and religious discrimination, which cause discomfort in Germany owing to its Nazi past.
But Jewish and Muslim groups have welcomed the new bill.
"We are glad that Jewish customs and the Jewish way of life will not be forced into illegality," said Dieter Graumann, president of the Central Council of German Jews.
The government hopes that the bill will clear up what it has called "grey areas" surrounding circumcision and provide doctors will a clear legal framework.
