Green Party Considers Restricting Non-Medical Circumcision of Children

Zack Polanski’s Green Party is considering a new policy to ban circumcision. The party’s Health Policy Working Group has launched a consultation on whether parental consent for an irreversible surgical procedure on a child should only be mandated on grounds of medical necessity.

The consultation also addresses whether non-therapeutic male circumcision should only be performed on children who are old enough to make an informed choice.

GB News reported the consultation opened after members raised the issue at last year’s conference. ” Langer added that the practice is shared with many of the Muslim faith. Langer warned that any suggestion of a ban would have a significant impact on communities and the future of the UK as a tolerant society which respects freedom of religion and belief.

Circumcision is a common and integral part of Judaism, with Jewish boys traditionally undergoing a brit milah eight days after birth. A message posted on behalf of the party’s Health Policy Working Group consultation officer Conall Monaghan stated that one of the central challenges faced at conference last year was around this subject.

At a Green Party conference last year, a planned fringe event on medically unnecessary penile circumcision in children was cancelled.

Jewish Greens warned of a lack of understanding about the practice at the Green Party conference last year. The official Green Party Women group described the proposal as controversial and goes completely against stated need for cultural sensitivities.

A Green Party spokesman said: “Our Policy Working Groups are made up of members who work autonomously on policy exploration and formation projects.