Jewish groups have strongly criticised a move by five different groups in the Icelandic parliament parliament to ban circumcision.
They have warned the proposed ban would make Iceland one of the only countries in the world ‘to ban one of the most central, if not the most central rite in the Jewish tradition in modern times’.
Punishment for those convicted of performing the religious practice would be six years in prison, media reports say.
Jewish groups have described the Icelandic proposals to ban circumcisions as a bid to eradicate Judaism by prohibiting religious practices
Groups in the Icelandic parliament have argued that the ‘rights of the child’ always exceed the ‘right of the parents to give their children guidance when it comes to religion’
In Europe, circumcision is under attack from right-wing politicians who view it as a foreign import and by left-wing liberals and atheists who denounce it as a primitive form of child abuse.
There are only about 100 Jews in Iceland, The Washington Times recently reported, and they are too weak to speak out for themselves.
‘But others outside of the country who understand the danger of criminalizing religious practices are speaking out on their behalf and on behalf of religious freedom,’ the paper reported.
It is unclear how Iceland’s Muslim community – which is far bigger than its Jewish population – has reacted to the proposals. Muslims are still the largest single religious group worldwide to carry out circumcisions.
The proposed legislation describing circumcision as a ‘violation’ of young boys’ rights and the only time it should be considered is for ‘health reasons’.
Addressing religious traditions, it insists the ‘rights of the child’ always exceed the ‘right of the parents to give their children guidance when it comes to religion’.
Cardinal Richard Marx, President of the Catholic Church in the European Union (COMECE) called the proposed bill ‘a dangerous attack on religious freedom’.
The proposal to prohibit circumcision has been put forward by Progressive Party MP Silja Dogg Gunnarsdottir and is backed by several other Icelandic politicians.
Circumcising girls has been illegal in Iceland since 2005, but there is no provision for boys, Gunnarsdóttir told Euronews.
Most religious leaders – including representatives of the Jewish and Catholic community – have criticised the plans.
The Jewish Communities in the Nordic Countries said if passed the law would stop its brethren from establishing themselves in Iceland.
‘Iceland would be the only country to ban one of the most central, if not the most central rite in the Jewish tradition in modern times,’ a letter written by the group says.
‘But it would not be the first time in the long tradition of the Jewish people. Throughout history, more than one oppressive regime has tried to suppress our people and eradicate Judaism by prohibiting our religious practices.
‘This letter might be perceived as meddling in Iceland’s internal affairs. And why should we care? The reason is that you are about to attack Judaism in a way that concerns Jews all over the world.
‘If any country with next to no Christian inhabitants would ban a central rite in Christianity, like communion for instance, we are certain that the whole Christian world would react as well.’
The Nordic Jewish community leaders also urged Icelandic lawmakers to follow Norway’s 2015 legislation on non-medical circumcision, which introduced regulation while ensuring the custom’s legality under certain terms.
In Europe, circumcision is under attack from right-wing politicians who view it as a foreign import whose proliferation is often associated mostly with Muslim immigration, The Times of Israel reported.
But it is also opposed by left-wing liberals and atheists who denounce it as a primitive form of child abuse.