Will the Cuts Never Stop in California? San Francisco to Vote on Male Circumcision Ban

Just when we thought no one would ever take our concerns about government intrusions on privacy seriously, the AP reports today that an activist group in San Francisco has succeeded in getting a measure to ban male circumcision on the city's November ballot.

If the measure passes, it will actually become a misdemeanor offense in San Francisco to circumcise males under the age of 18, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 or up to one year in jail. Ban supporters call it an inhumane procedure that parents shouldn't be able to force on their children; according to advocate Lloyd Schofield, "Parents are really guardians, and guardians have to do what's in the best interest of the child. It's his body. It's his choice". Right, because most newborns are up to weighing the potential lifetime health benefits against the pain of a procedure they'll never remember. That must be why elective circumcision isn't banned by your measure; oh wait, it is. Unsurprisingly, the city's Jewish community views the ban as a clear violation of their First Amendment rights to freely practive their religion, which requires the procedure. Rabbi Gil Josef Leeds of Berkeley is confident that, if approved, the ban will quickly end up stalled in court.

We don't really have a lot to add to that. Are these people really so enamored of government force that this seems like a good idea?