Germany Proposes Legislation to Protect Circumcision

After months of debate, today the German cabinet decided to introduce new legislation which would clearly enable and support the religious practice of circumcision.

“It is without any doubt very positive news; this enables the continued growth and development of Jewish life in Germany,” said Rabbi Yehuda Teichtel, rabbi of the Jewish community in Berlin.

The legislation, which was prepared by the office of the justice minister, will add a new paragraph to the law (1631d) which will permit circumcision all over Germany if the parents are informed and willing and there are no medical dangers. The circumcision can be preformed by a Mohel as well, if the child is under the age of six months.

In May, a local court in Cologne ruled that circumcising a child is not allowed as it causes bodily harm. The ruling sparked a debate in Germany, as it brought into question the future viability of a Jewish community there, and ignited a conversation around the world.

In August, the Chief Rabbi of Israel, Yonah Metzger, visited Germany, and together with Rabbi Teichtal met with the justice minister Sabine Leutheusser-Schnarrenberger and other government officials. During the meeting, the Chief Rabbi explained to the minister the importance of having the circumcision done by a Mohel in a traditional manner. The minister and her staff listened intently and assured the rabbis that the government will do their utmost to try and find a positive solution.

In July, the spokesperson for Chancellor Angela Merkel said the government will try to create “Legal certainty” on this.

The proposed legislation is awaiting confirmation in Parliament.