Circumcision Petitioner Speaks Out

David Smith
(This page does not contain medical advice)

Last updated on 1st October 2007

Earlier this year, Benjamin Wood, a 16 year old from Lincolnshire in England, visited the British government's e-petition website and opened a petition to ban the circumcision of all males under 18 in the UK. As his petition approaches it's closing date on November 29th, NORM-UK caught up with Ben to find out more about him and his feelings on the subject.

When and how did you first find out about circumcision?

During an RE Lesson in year 4 of my primary school. I had already noticed during swimming lessons that some of the boys were 'different' to myself, but at the time I didn't know why or what the process was called.

What first inspired you to create the petition?

During my first years of secondary school RE teaching, we learned more about circumcision. We were taught that the baby being circumcised didn't feel any pain when undergoing the procedure, and this just didn't ring true. I did some research into the subject and following several debates on the BBC's Religion & Ethics forum where I found many like-minded people, I became decidedly against the circumcision of boys under 18. When the Government's petition website was first set up I decided that if the Americans could have a campaign to ban circumcision, so could we.

How have you been promoting it?

Every time a debate on the subject has come up on the BBC website I have put in a link to the petition. I've also promoted it on other forums I frequent, and asked some friends to sign it.

Have your parents signed it? How do they feel about the subject?

Though they are aware of my views, they don't know about the petition. As well as having strong views about the circumcision of children, I'm also a strong supporter of the men's rights movement. I think they are a little worried by my becoming politically active at such a young age. Mostly we avoid the subject, but I do know that they do not see eye-to-eye with me on it.

Have your friends signed it? What was their reaction?

One or two of my friends have signed the petition, but most haven't. Whenever the subject is raised in lessons it simply dissolves the class into fits of the giggles. Mostly, the ones that do know make light-hearted amusement of it, though they do see the serious subject behind it.

Are you in a relationship? What does your partner think about it?

At the moment I'm not in a relationship. I do, however, have several female friends, all of whom have been supportive of the petition.

Did anyone react negatively when you told them about the petition?

Some people think it's a bit of a weird subject to be concerned about, but there have been very few actively negative responses from people who know about the petition.

Why do you think circumcision of boys should be banned?

I think the circumcision of boys should be banned as everyone should be able to enjoy their body as it is when they are born, along with the benefits that brings to them. I also think it is wrong that girls are protected from genital mutilation and boys aren't, and that this injustice needs to be remedied.

Why do you limit your proposed ban to under 18s, why not adults too, as is the case with female circumcision?

I believe that ever adult has the right to do with THEIR OWN body whatever they should wish. If they wish to be circumcised, pierced, tattooed or whatever - it's none of the state's business. The purpose of this is not to eliminate a cultural practice, but to allow everyone the CHOICE of whether to get it done or not - it's about protecting the right to have a foreskin, not about persecuting the right to be circumcised.

Do you think that religious circumcision should be exempted from the ban. Why?

Religious circumcision on babies and Under 18s should be banned. If circumcision is such an important part of someone's faith, there should not be a problem with their waiting until their 18th birthday to get cut. Everyone has the right to freedom of religion - just not the right to impose symbols of their religion on a baby - symbols that can never be fully removed.

What do you say to those who claim that circumcision has 'health benefits'?

I believe that they should take a look at all the studies that have been done. Ever since circumcision first arrived in the West, there has been a new 'benefit' to it's practice-each and every one has so far been disproved at some point. With the current rumoured benefit of reduction of HIV transmission, I'd say this. A condom works better.

What do you say to those men who say that their circumcision has been beneficial?

I'd say that they're entitled to their opinion, and enjoy their penis as it is. If they like it then that's all that matters.

Why do you think some people are trying to promote circumcision?

I don't think one single reason can be picked out. For some, I think they are so blinded by the doctrine of their religion they can't see past the foreskin. I've also heard about foreskins being purchased for testing by pharmaceutical companies - maybe there's something in that. Pressures of tradition also have something to do with it-as does ignorance and old wives' tales about what is 'clean'. Finally, I also think that there are some sexually disturbed health workers who will advise parents to go for circumcision for their own reasons, rather than any thought of the child.

Have you been circumcised yourself? Have any of the men in your family been circumcised?

I have happily not been circumcised, and as far as I know, none of the men in my immediate family have been circumcised either.

Did any sex education classes at your school cover the foreskin or circumcision? If not, would this be a good idea?

No, their was no covering of the foreskin in sex education classes - the only coverage done was in RE lessons as part of our instruction on Judaism. I do think that there needs to be discussion of circumcision in lessons, so that the people who will be the parents of the next generation can be informed when they have children of their own.

If you are a UK citizen you can sign Ben's petition to ban the circumcision of all males under 18 on the number 10 website
The thoughts and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of NORM-UK.
This page does not contain medical advice.