The National Secular Society recently published an article discussing the recent manifesto written by the Board of Deputies of British Jews within contained the demand for the defence of infant circumcision. Titled ‘The Jewish Manifesto 2024’, this heavily prescriptive document aims to act as a united voice of British Jews in order to lobby the political parties of Britain. Whilst we recognise the importance of advocacy, the NSS have highlighted the deeply concerning inclusions within their manifesto.
Here is the link to the full article by the National Secular Society
This manifesto encourages British Jews to lobby in favour of protecting this ritual from progressive reform. Many of 15 Square’s members come from cultures practising circumcision. The Board of Deputies are presuming a united voice in support of ritual circumcision form the Jewish community. This undermines the efforts of those that advocate for reform, both within the Jewish community and outside it.
“Can one really be Jewish and against circumcision? Is a Jewish man really Jewish if he is not circumcised? Are noncircumcision Jews rejecting Judaism? To put it simply—yes, one can be Jewish and against circumcision.” (Lindsey Jackson is a PhD candidate in the Department of Religions and Cultures at Concordia University.)
Addressing the Assumptions and Misconceptions of Infant Circumcision
The practice has become increasingly controversial due to modern values that prioritise consent and harm reduction.
“When he [my son] talked to me about it, he told me he felt everything, and the lidocaine injection [local anaesthetic] didn’t actually work. He felt like he was getting electrocuted all over his body.” – The Father of a boy circumcised in the UK without his consent.
Within the manifesto, the Board of Deputies provide false information that is contra-indicated by medical authorities and the thousands of men who are openly negatively affected:
“It is a minor procedure that has no negative impact on the child or on the rest of his life.” – The Jewish Manifesto, Board of Deputies of British Jews
This is either extremely ignorant or a wilfully dishonest statement. The British Academy of Urological Surgeons, the British Academy of Pediatric Surgeons, numerous NHS trusts, and the lived experiences of men refute this inexcusable statement. Permanently altered sensation to the sensitivity, mobility, and protection of the glans of the penis are guaranteed as a function of this procedure. Making dismissive and mitigating statements to new and expecting parents has led them to make decisions over infant circumcision that they and their sons have deeply regretted, and the ignorant attitudes surrounding this issue has created a culture of silence.
“No one gave us any information about the physical and psychological trauma that it would cause our boys… I remember the day of their circumcision like it was yesterday. Deep down I didn’t want to do it, but there was an invisible pressure willing me on.”
“This has always caused me physical and psychological discomfort. The procedure was unnecessary and has impacted my life significantly… I have never discussed this with anyone.”
Contributions to 15 Square’s Stories Campaign
Medical Authority vs. Manifesto: The Truth About Infant Circumcision’s Impact
Despite the poor record keeping and lack of public access to cases of circumcision, the stories continue to reoccur. There has been little research into the long-term satisfaction of circumcised men. Of the studies that have been conducted, some men have claimed that it has changed their sex lives. In one study by Pang and Kim 20% of the men responding claimed that it had negatively affected their sex life.
“Conclusion: There was a decrease in masturbatory pleasure and sexual enjoyment after circumcision, indicating that adult circumcision adversely affects sexual function in many men, possibly because of complications of the surgery and a loss of nerve endings.”
- Kim & Pang, The Effect of Male Circumcision on Sexuality, 2007, BJUI International
This demonstrates a variety of sentiments towards the long term impacts, from laymen and doctors. Additionally, the manifesto statement ignores the potential for surgical mishaps (botched circumcisions), septicemia, buried penis, stitch tunnels, skin bridges, excessive blood loss, significant pain, infection, total penectomy, and even death via complications in some rare circumstances.
It is our hope that this renewed vigour from the Board Of Deputies (BOD) will be met with the appropriate scrutiny that this procedure deserves – Mobilising the public to lobby politicians into supporting this extremely controversial practice is offensive to the thousands of men who feel that their autonomy was taken from them.
Following the recent election, 15 Square are encouraging all UK residents to write to their MP’s to raise awareness and find out where their representatives stand on the issue of circumcision. The BOD (and no single organisation) speak on behalf of the entire Jewish community. There are individuals from inside and outside Judaism who are calling for improved legislation to govern circumcision – because they feel harmed. We feel obliged to challenge the Board Of Deputies manifesto, specifically on the issue of circumcision. We recognise that criticising circumcision is occasionally misinterpreted as an attack against culture (in the same way that critiques of FGM are received by cultural practitioners). We want to reaffirm that we are issue-oriented, not ideology-orientated. The public are steadily re-evaluating this issue based on modern values and principles of individual consent, the right to one’s own body, and harm reduction. It is important to keep this conversation open and to push back against permissive attitudes that prevent meaningful change.
If you are based in the UK and would like to be part of our efforts to raise these concerns with our newly elected MP’s, please contribute to our campaign by following this link to our MP Questions Campaign.
Find out where your MP stands on infant circumcision.
MP Questions Campaign.
15 Square are keen to explore how circumcision is perceived across the UK’s political landscape. Whilst we are aware that the issue of circumcision crosses all walks of life and political ideals (as it can affect men from any culture and background – link to stories), we would like to hear where our new intake of MP’s stand on this issue.
Would you be willing to write to your new MP asking for their views on this issue? If so, here are some questions that you can ask, We would love to hear the replies. Please forward them to info@15square.org.uk
Take action! – Write to your MP
Ask your MP for their opinions on non-consensual circumcision.
You can use this link to find the contact details of your local MP. Here is a helpful template to assist you in putting an email together.
Subject: Request for Your Views on Potential Harms Associated With Circumcision
Dear [MP’s Name],
Congratulations on your election as our new Member of Parliament. I am writing to you as a concerned constituent about the issue of medically unnecessary circumcision as it relates potential psychological and physical harm or complication, and individual consent. As I am sure you are aware, it is challenging to balance modern values around consent, and traditionally important blood rituals. All citizens deserve clear information, transparency, and appropriate governance before any form of irreversible surgery is performed.
[Insert a brief personal story or reason why this issue matters to you.]
I would like to understand your views on this issue and how you plan to address it in parliament. Specifically, I am interested in your thoughts on the following questions:
[Insert relevant questions from the list below.]
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your response and to seeing how you will represent our concerns in parliament.
Best regards, [Your Name] [Your Address] [Your Contact Information]
Here are some questions you can ask your new MPs:
- Views on Infant Circumcision:
- What are your views on infant circumcision for non-medical reasons?
- Men’s Health:
- Some men have reported complications and traumatic side effects following circumcision. They claim that this has affected them physically, sexually, and/or psychologically. What is your response to those who feel affected by circumcision?
- Would you support legislation or regulations that mandate record-keeping for circumcision and later-life complications as reported by men?
- Policy and Legislation:
- Would you support legislation that delays non-medical circumcision until the individual is old enough to provide informed consent to this permanent alteration?
- Informed Consent:
- Do you support improvements to the information that is provided prior to circumcision that ensures that all individuals (including parents and carers) are able to give fully informed consent, and to understand potential side-effects and complications arising from ritual and medical circumcision?
- Secularism and Religious Freedom:
- What is your view on balancing religious freedom with the protection of individual rights to their own body?
- Engaging with Constituent Concerns:
- Is this an issue that you are prepared to raise in parliament?
Engaging with Your MP: When reaching out to your new MP, it’s helpful to personalise your message. Share why this issue is important to you and how it impacts your community.
Conclusion: Engaging with your new MP on the topic of men’s health, infant circumcision and secularism is crucial. By asking informed questions, we can ensure that our representatives are aware of our concerns and are held accountable for their positions on these important issues. Let’s take this opportunity to make our voices heard and advocate for the rights and welfare of all children and those affected by the harm circumcision has caused them.
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