Circumcision Should be Criminalized

Thanks to vbaculum for allowing me to debate this topic. I will assume that first round is arguments only and save my rebuttals for round 2. Clarification: I have no interest in debating semantics and accept vbaculums rules and definitions.I would however like to clarify that the definition for circumcision does not normally include "non-consensual" and for the purpose of this debate I will assume that my opponent means that as the child is too young (baby circumcision) to legally make his/her own decision the operation has been carried out without their inherent consent. It does not mean that a child (for example 9 years old) has refused the operation and been forced kicking and screaming to the hospital to have it nontheless.In light of the video posted by my opponent I would also like to state my personal position before I begin with my arguments: I am an atheist and have not been circumcised. I find it highly distressing to watch the video and would assume most people would. My opponent has stated that all circumcision, no matter how it is performed, should be criminalised.So lets get started. CON 1: Medical BenefitsWhile we can all agree that circumcision was not originally performed for health benefits it is well documented that circumcision has a number of health benefits. Circumcision can help prevent or reduced the risk of being infected by the following deseases;HIV, urinary tract infections, bacteria infections, prevention of balanoposthistis, prevention of phimosis, prevention of paraphimosis, STDs such as chancroid, syphilis, human papillomavirus, herpers and gonorrhea. [1] It can also help reduced the risk of cancer [1]"The predicted lifetime risk of cancer of the penisin an uncircumcised man is one in 600 in the U.S. Cancer of the penis carries a mortality rate as high as 25%. This cancer occurs almost exclusively in uncircumcised men. In five major research studies, no man who had been circumcised as a newborn developed cancer of the penis. Human papillomavirus types 16 and 18, which are sexually transmitted, are involved in cancer of the penis."I would like to note that the source used by my opponent www.nocirc.org is describes itself as follows "NOCIRC is a 501(c)(3) educational non-profit organization committed to securing the birthright of male, female, and intersex children and babies to keep their sex organs intact."CON 2: Circumcision can be performed without undue pain and sufferingI do not advocate circumcision to be performed ritually (i.e. without pain medication or unduly late in the persons life). Circumcision can be performed under general anaesthetic with no pain [2] and with suitable after-care. My point here is that torture/pain/screaming do not have to be a part of the circumcision procedure. CON 3: Religious FreedomThere are many religions with many different/unorthodox habits and it is within their rights to act according to their scripture provided it doesn’t harm others. For example in Judaism in the book of Leviticus the Bible appears to forbid shaving of the corners of the head and prohibits the marring of the corners of the beard [3]. Now if we can establish that circumcision can be done painlessly then what is the difference between the two? CON 4: Parents Responsibility Parents have legal responsibility for their children up to 14-18 years of age depending on the country. This means those parents are required to act in the best interest of the children and to make their decisions on their behalf until they are old enough to do so themselves. I think it’s fair to assume that the parents make the children have circumcisions not out of some sadistic pleasure but because they believe that’s the proper course for the child to take in accordance with their religion. We are not arguing whether this religious ideal is the correct one. Who knows, it may be. I am saying that the parent is acting in the best interest of the child and has a responsibility to do so. I wanted to keep Round 1 short as the BOP rest with my opponent so all I need to do is negate his points. I look forward to my opponents response and the chance to rebut his points in Round 2.[1] http://www.medicinenet.com...[2] http://www.bupa.co.uk...[3] http://en.wikipedia.org...