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Is Circumcision a Crime? A critique of the legal regulation of genital cutting in Germany and Australia

The Research Unit for the Study of Society, Law and Religion and the South Australian Chapter of the Australian Association of Constitutional Law present

 Is Circumcision a Crime?

A critique of the legal regulation of genital cutting in Germany and Australia

 

When: Thursday 13 September 2012 at 1pm-2pm

Where: Moot Court Room, Adelaide Law School, Ligertwood Building, The University of Adelaide

Synopsis: In July of this year a German Court decided that the circumcision of a four year old boy constituted a criminal offence. In coming to its decision, the Court weighed up the parents’ constitutional right to freedom of religion and to educate their child, including in religious matters, against the right to bodily integrity of the young child. The case made headlines around the world, and reinvigorated international debate on the regulation of circumcision.  In this presentation Cornelia Koch and Anne Hewitt consider the implications of the decision and reflect on the legal regulation and religious and cultural context for male circumcision in Germany and Australia.  Their analysis evaluates the justifications for the practice in both jurisdictions, and draws comparisons with the prohibition of female circumcision.  In conclusion Cornelia and Anne reflect on whether it is time to rethink current attitudes to circumcision.

Speakers: Anne Hewitt and Cornelia Koch are both Senior Lecturers at the Adelaide Law School and members of RUSSLR. Anne researches in anti-discrimination and equality law. She holds degrees in law, history and anthropology. Cornelia’s research interests are in Australian, foreign and comparative constitutional law, comparative law and human rights. She has law degrees from Germany and Australia. Cornelia and Anne have an ongoing research collaboration on restrictions of religious and cultural freedoms and in 2011 jointly published an article considering prohibitions on wearing of the Islamic burqa in public.

For further information, contact Paul Babie, paul.babie@adelaide.edu.au

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One Response

  1. […] Today, Cornelia Koch and Anne Hewitt from the Adelaide Law School will present a public seminar on the regulation of circumcision in Australia and Germany. The discussion is informed by a recent decision of a German Court that the circumcision of a young Muslim boy constituted a criminal offence. The issue involves delicate questions about the right to religious freedom and the right to bodily integrity of young children. Full details on the event can be accessed here. […]