Circumcision Of Boys For Religious Reasons

[naomi24]

An Algerian-born father, separated from the English wife he married in a Muslim ceremony, has failed in his High Court bid to have his two young sons circumcised in accordance with his strict Muslim faith. The judge said that choice should be left until children are old enough to decide for themselves.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/04/19/circumcision-choice-should-be-left-until-children-are-old-enough/

Could this lead to a change in the law? I hope so.

[sp1814]

I honestly don't see the big deal with circumcision.

It's not mutilation in the same way that chest ironing, foot binding or FGM is.

What exactly are the downsides???

Seriously - without googling 'downsides of circumcision' - can anyone really say what the disadvantages are?

Aesthetically, many find a crew neck more pleasing than a polo neck.

[Mamyalynne]

It predates written history so the origins are muddled, talks of either scarring the losing side in a battle or conversely showing of a champion - mixed messages there obviously.

Early cave paintings show the practice way back.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_male_circumcision#/media/File:Circumcision_Precinct_of_Mut.png

[Prudie]

As already said its implications would be far reaching. many Americans are circumcised - or are we just talking UK law?
I can't imagine anyone choosing to have it done in later life except for medical reasons.

[Mamyalynne]

Very few studies show any great percentage of adverse after effects if the surgery is performed correctly in the right setting.

[maggiebee]

My friend's son was born in Canada and it appears they circumcise boys as a matter of course when they are born unless the parents tell the hospital otherwise. Not related to any religion.

[naomi24]

andy-hughes, the reasons aren't lost in history. They are fundamental to history. Circumcision within Judaism is a symbol of God's covenant with Abraham. Islam, as it always has, emulates the Judaism.

[Sqad]

There are complications of circumcision as with all minor surgical procedures, but uncommon and usually no big deal.
I agree with sp1814.
The great advantage of a circumcised male is that he makes a better lover whereas the uncircumcised male has a predisposition to premature ejaculation.
If one is to be circumcised, then at birth is the ideal time, but to circumcise a boy in his childhood is unreasonable in the extreme, unless of course it is for medical reasons.

[naomi24]

SP, //Aesthetically, many find a crew neck more pleasing than a polo neck.//

Children don't have a preference - or a choice.

[Sqad]

\\Maybe the end bit has become de-sensitised over the years, just wondering.\\

Yes...that is the whole point of avoiding premature ejaculation and have you noticed that in porn films, you never see an uncircumcised penis.............

[Jackdaw33]

No, Sqad, my viewing habits must differ from yours.

[naomi24]

Mine too.

[naomi24]

^That was to Jackdaw - Naomi added hastily!!

[Old_Geezer]

I think one is losing the point if talking about downsides. It need not fail to have any to still be wrong. I'd suspect lopping off your kids' earlobes might not cause any serious complications but I'd not advise it.

Meanwhile that seems to be one in the eye for a few here.

[anneasquith]

Nature gave you men a foreskin, leave well alone.

[mightymouse]

This was discussed on LBC radio this morning, on the James O'Brien show. Actually very interesting. This is a phone-in show, where do you think the first call came from? Cockfosters.........................