German court bans circumcision

[Penguin]

First: this is typical for Germany. Since 4 weeks doctors refuse to do circumcision due to legal uncertainty. So there has to be a discussion and a circumcision law - nonetheless in which form - has to be passed. And now already the first statement: Wow! Now you all know why nothing ever moves in Germany....

Second: Tattooing minors is not illegal in Germany. It is technically battery - just like the court decided circumcision is. So every tattoo artist only does people who give consent, otherwise they would do something illegal. Most artists would never tattoo someone under 16 though for various reasons. Some require a letter of consent from the parents by minors, however most do it only when a parent accompanies the client.

My prognosis is that circumcision will become the same matter like a tattoo - a battery that is legal when the affected party gives consent and if they are under 18 also the parents consent will be required.

So my question to the pro-circumcision guys: At what age would you think a tattoo is OK for a kid?

Originally Posted by MH's article

The third cliche is that circumcision is a hallowed religious custom and in a democracy, people should be allowed to observe their traditions without politicians or courts intervening. This is normally an argument for which I have a great deal of sympathy. I don't want the government telling me how to live my life. Except for the fact that it's not my life. None of my four sons were asked in advance when, at the age of eight days, intense, intimate pain was inflicted upon them, and their private parts irrevocably changed. Hardly a democratic act.

aeehm, you know this has been the point made by "our" side all the time?