Controversial Bill In Iceland Would Criminalize Muslim and Jewish Circumcision Practices

The New York Times this week reported on the controversy in Iceland over a bill introduced in the country's Parliament last month that would make circumcision of young boys for non-medial reasons illegal.  The bill, which would impose a penalty of up to 6 years in prison for violation, was introduced by four political parties and is backed by many doctors and nurses in Iceland.  According to the Times:

[O]rganizations representing Muslims and Jews, which practice male circumcision as a matter of religious tradition, are questioning the lawmakers’ motives. The Roman Catholic Church in the European Union has also objected that the legislation is an attack on religious freedom.....

The bill is perceived as an anti-immigration issue directed against Muslims, Rabbi [Pinchas] Goldschmidt [President of the Conference of European Rabbis] said, and "we the Jews are the collateral damage."

It is "basically saying that Jews are not anymore welcome in Iceland," he said.

New Religion In Iceland Seeks To End Tax Support of Churches

According to yesterday's BBC News, in Iceland in recent weeks more than 1,000 people have registered as members of a new religious denomination, Zuism.  The relatively new religion bases its teachings on ancient Sumerian beliefs.  However its real goal is to end Iceland's parish fees-- a portion of each citizen's income tax that is allocated to the church with which the taxpayer is affiliated.  The new group also wants the government to end record keeping of citizens' religious affiliations.  The Zuist organization promises to rebate to its members any parish fees that are allocated to it. Tax authorities say any rebates will be subject to income tax.