Responsibly Conducted Circumcisions Must be Possible Without Fear of Prosecution

Jul 13, 2012
Government Spokesman Steffen Seibert Enlarge image Government Spokesman Steffen Seibert (© picture alliance / dpa)

Federal Government Spokesman Steffen Seibert addressed the recent ruling by a regional court that raised questions about the practice of circumcision in Germany.

"For everyone in the federal government, it is entirely clear that we want Jewish and Muslim religious life in Germany.  Responsibly conducted circumcisions must be possible in this country without fear of prosecution.  It concerns us that currently there is not legal certitude regarding the practice of this age-old religious custom here in Germany.

We are aware that early circumcision is of enormous importance, particularly in the Jewish religion, that it is also now absolutely necessary – absolutely necessary also in terms of time – to restore this legal certitude.  The responsible ministries in the federal government, also with the involvement of the Federal Chancellery, are now intensively discussing how this can best occur.  We know that a speedy solution is necessary.  It cannot be delayed."

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Practice of Circumcision