Resolution Adopted by the CCAR
On the Performance of Circumcision
Adopted by the CCAR at the 96th Annual Convention of
the Central Conference of American Rabbis
1985
Whereas
the legislature of the State of New York is considering Bill #7797, which states
in Section 1, Sub-Section 2503-a, Paragraph 3, in regard to providing information
to pregnant women relating to circumcision: “Such information shall additionally
state that a circumcision performed by a non-religious practitioner does not satisfy the religious
requirements of any faith”; and
Whereas
the State of New York would be required, if this legislation passes, to establish
what are and what are not the “religious requirements of any faith:” and
Whereas
such determination would violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment,
which prohibits the State from entangling itself in religion,
Therefore be it resolved
that the Central Conference of American Rabbis vigorously objects to this proposal
and calls on the New York State Senate and Assembly to defeat it.