We have no problem whatsoever in declaring that female circumcision is child abuse. If a parent allows their female child to be mutilated then most civilised people would shout loudly that it is wrong.
It does not matter if the parents erroneously believe that it is a religious practice.
Religious practices are not above the law.
Some religious practice declares that it is not only alright, but an absolute mandate from god, to take the life of a nonbeliever. It is never right.
Some religious belief declares that it is right for a wife to throw herself on the funeral pyre of her husband.
Female circumcision is an abuse. It is wrong. It is illegal. It never should happen.
Neither should male circumcision be allowed. It is nowhere near as bad as female mutilation but it is the same principle. A child should not be subjected to such a mutilation unless there is a sound medical reason.
That child should be free to make that decision for themselves when they are old enough to understand. I would suggest that sixteen is such an age.
Under the age of sixteen I believe that imposing religion on children is wrong; I believe that mutilating children against their will is wrong.
