Lawsuit Challenges Proposed SF Circumcision Ban
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) - A lawsuit was filed Wednesday to prevent a proposed circumcision ban from getting on the ballot in San Francisco.
Jewish and Muslim families, along with chapters of the Jewish Community Relations Council and the Anti-Defamation announced a lawsuit Wednesday, demanding that the San Francisco elections director remove the ban from the ballot.
Supporters of the ban say male circumcision is a form of genital mutilation that should not be forced on a young child. The measure would punish people who circumcise a minor with a fine of up to $1,000 or up to a year in jail.
San Franciscois would be the first city to hold a public vote on banning circumcision.
KCBS' Tim Ryan Reports:
Proponents of the circumcision ban submitted 12,271 signatures to the city's Department of Elections, which was able to verify 7,743 of them. The measure needed a minimum of 7,168 to qualify for the November ballot.
Opponents say a ban on a religious rite considered sacred by Jews and Muslims is a violation of constitutional rights. The lawsuit, filed in San Francisco Superior Court, claims that the city has no authority to regulate common medical procedures.
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