German lawmakers want circumcision ban to be clear cut

BERLIN (AP) — German lawmakers are demanding that the government end the uncertainty over the legality of circumcising young boys.

A Cologne court’s ruling in June that concluded circumcision amounts to bodily harm has sparked public debate on the issue.

The verdict doesn’t amount to a ban, but the head of the German Medical Association recommended doctors cease performing circumcisions for religious reasons until the law is clarified.

Jewish and Muslim groups have complained that the ruling could criminalize their centuries-old religious tradition of circumcising young boys.

A broad majority in Parliament voted in favor of a resolution Thursday calling for the government to draft a law this fall permitting “medically correct circumcision.”

Lawmakers say the law would safeguard religious freedom and the right of parents to determine how to raise their children.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.