End of the Story… For Now
For several weeks those of us who write for the Jewish Journal have been keeping you up to date on the San Francisco proposal that would outlaw circumcision for children. In my writing I have tried to strike a balance between the Jewish issues and the “personal rights” issues. As a Jew I oppose such a law because it infringes on my rights to practice my faith. As an American I oppose such a law because it is an attack on personal freedom and rights. I refuse to support any legislation that dictates issues in my personal life that are of no concern to the government. I believe many of you feel as I do. The reaction to my articles and other pieces that have appeared in these pages show that laws such as this one are nothing more than the strategies of small groups to impose their will and their values on society.
Since this topic is no longer making “front page” let me give you an update: A court recently struck down the ballot issue. The judge said that the right to regulate “medical procedures” belongs to the state, not to the city. On this basis the issue was removed from the fall ballot. This is a victory for both the Jewish and Moslem communities (not to mention a victory for parents who still believe that they, and not the government, should decide what is right for their children. Although this issue has been settled, it is only a temporary solution. The anti-circumcision folks will continue with their meaningless crusade and continue to influence public policy. I would ask you to realize that this is a long term confrontation- it goes to the core of what we believe about freedom, personal rights, and the role of government. This may be a pause but it is not the end of the story.
We live in a time when “freedom” is coming to mean that no one is free- everyone must be the same and it is wrong to dare to show that you have a belief in anything. When reading of the recent decision striking down the circumcision ban I was reminded of how very delicate our freedoms are. Closer to home, I read a story lately that reported that the ACLU has warned a local town not to display Christmas or Hannukah decorations—they might offend someone! It distresses me that we live in a society in which any (or all) religious symbols are a breach of public policy.
I remind you that we, the Jewish people, have survived only because we have refused to abandon our beliefs- what a shame if we have come to a juncture in our history in which our beliefs are subject to the “bullying” of special interest groups. At least circumcision is safe for now, but what’s next?