Horrific and Questionable Religious Rituals

[Danmark]

Recently a thread was locked because a sexual motive was ascribed to or presumed by a debater regarding a circumcision practice that raises questions about the officiants' motives and hygiene issues. This issue is certainly open to fair debate here.

It is not unusual to find out that some practitioners of certain religious rituals have a sexual or otherwise carnal or financial motive in indulging in the ritual, or take advantage of the ritual for personal motives. This is a legitimate line of inquiry and criticism.

I'm not going weigh in on the accuracy of such reports, but I understand that many members of many religions, as well as the nonreligious have questioned certain rituals, or at least questioned the motives of certain practitioners; e. g.
Mormon temple garment ceremonies.
http://www.i4m.com/think/temples/mormon-temple.htm

Oral contact by the Mohel during or as part of the circumcision ceremony.
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/herpes-str ... d=18890284

Female circumcision or mutilation.

Ritual human sacrifice.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_sacrifice

The issue for debate is, when should government or other organizations step in to prevent religious practices that compromise the health of others, particularly those who are not in a position to have informed consent.

[Strider324]

We agree on what's fundamental to this argument. No infant should ever be circumcised. Let them reach the age of Reason, present them with all of the relevant studies - and let them make an informed decision.

Are you saying that there should be no ear piercings or cosmetic surgery of any kind prior to adulthood?

I consider ear piercings to be relatively benign, and not comparable to circumcision. An ear piercing cannot reasonably be anticipated to alter physiological or psychological response, while circumcision certainly can.

Cosmetic surgery? You mean like boob jobs for a 15 year old? Um...no. Surgery for a cleft palate? Yes.