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Lawsuit Challenges Proposed SF Circumcision Ban

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) - A lawsuit was filed Wednesday to prevent a proposed circumcision ban from getting on the ballot in San Francisco.

Jewish and Muslim families, along with chapters of the Jewish Community Relations Council and the Anti-Defamation announced a lawsuit Wednesday, demanding that the San Francisco elections director remove the ban from the ballot.

Supporters of the ban say male circumcision is a form of genital mutilation that should not be forced on a young child. The measure would punish people who circumcise a minor with a fine of up to $1,000 or up to a year in jail.

San Franciscois would be the first city to hold a public vote on banning circumcision.

KCBS' Tim Ryan Reports:

Proponents of the circumcision ban submitted 12,271 signatures to the city's Department of Elections, which was able to verify 7,743 of them. The measure needed a minimum of 7,168 to qualify for the November ballot.

Opponents say a ban on a religious rite considered sacred by Jews and Muslims is a violation of constitutional rights. The lawsuit, filed in San Francisco Superior Court, claims that the city has no authority to regulate common medical procedures.

 (Copyright 2011 by CBSSan Francisco. All Rights Reserved.)

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