September 7, 2011
Local jurisdictions would be prohibited from banning male circumcision under a bill passed by the state Legislature and sent to Gov. Jerry Brown on Tuesday. AB 768 was written by Assembly member Mike Gatto (D-Los Angeles) in response to attempts by activists to ask San Francisco voters to ban the procedure on males under age 18. That proposed ballot measure has been blocked by a judge. Proponents of the operation say it can reduce the risk of STDs, HIV, and cancer, and they note its cultural importance to Jews and Muslims. Opponents say the surgery is unnecessary and can cause health problems.