U.S. Congressman Will Introduce Bill To Bar San Francisco's Attempt To Outlaw Circumcision

Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA) announced yesterday that he plans to introduce a bill into Congress that would prevent San Francisco and other cities from banning male circumcision of minors.  Currently, San Francico voters are scheduled to vote on a ban in November. (See prior posting.) Sherman said: "The Religious and Parental Rights Defense Act of 2011ensures that Jewish and Muslim families will continue to be able to enjoy the free exercise of their religious beliefs." According to the Los Angeles Jewish Journal, Sherman's bill takes an approach similar to that taken by RLUIPA in protecting religious freedom in prisoner and zoning cases. [Thanks to Jonah Lowenfeld for the lead.]