German court rules Jewish and Muslim religious circumcision illegal

A court in Cologne has apparently ruled that circumcision – required in Jewish and Muslim religious practices – is illegal.  The decision has resulted in a rare alliance of the German Bishops’ Conference, the German Central Council of Jews, the ZMD (German Central Council of Muslims), the TGD (Turkish Community in Germany – representing secular interests) denouncing the decision.

Bundestag President Norbert Lammert was reported as saying:

“This is a clash between the law and freedom of religion, but I’m not worried,” Lammert said. “The German court has yet to say its final word on this matter.

Based on a 1999 decision allowing Muslim and Kosher butchering practices, there is some optimism that a German high court will overturn the ban on circumcisions.