Monday 11th June 2007
As part of National Mens Health Week and to coincide with Fathers Day, Film, TV and stage star Alan Cumming has announced that he is to become a patron of NORM-UK, the registered charity concerned with education about the male foreskin and circumcision.

Our foreskins arent a mistake said the star of X-Men 2, Spy Kids and Goldeneye, a humanitarian and activist who Alan

Film Star Alan Cumming (Pic: Francis Hills Photography)wants the world to understand the importance of this most under-appreciated body part, Circumcision is genital mutilation, so why is it condoned and encouraged?I support NORM-UKs efforts to educate and illuminate.May the foreskin be with us and remain with us all!

Referring to a recent study published in the British Journal of Urology, NORM-UK vice-chairman Dr Peter Ball said, The foreskin contains the five most sensitive parts of the penis, and we are honoured that Alan recognises the importance of NORM-UKs work. We are all concerned that men and parents are being pushed into unnecessary surgery without understanding the full consequences.

Dr Ball went on to express his concern at the recent push to use male circumcision as a weapon against the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Africa, Reports are already coming through that some men are seeing circumcision as an alternative to condom use, he said, this strategy will make the problem worse, not better, and permanently leaving men with less sensitive genitals is a serious side effect that must not be ignored.

Alan joins art critic Brian Sewell as a patron of the charity, which also helps treat men and boys with tight foreskins.

See NORM-UKs full press release