Iceland has proposed a ban on non-therapeutic male circumcision, in order to protect children from an unnecessary and harmful procedure.

Religious groups have been swift to oppose this legislation on the grounds that their religious rights are being infringed upon.

Ridicule, denial, and hostility

It is still a very difficult thing for a man to complain about circumcision.

If he decides to complain, he first needs to acknowledge that his genitals have been diminished to some extent. He then has to question his parents’ decision to have him circumcised. He may have to criticise his culture. He will need to challenge the medical and civil authorities who allowed his circumcision.

There is the very real possibility of facing ridicule, denial, and hostility from peers, therapists, parents, community leaders, and other authority figures.

As someone who resents having been altered as a child, without my consent, I am faced with a choice. I can try to live with what has been done to me, and keep quiet — there are many men who, for good reason, do exactly that — but I have decided that the only way forward is to protest what was done to

me and to strive to protect other children from the same fate.

I want to see all children protected (boys, girls, and intersex children) from non-therapeutic genital cutting. I am a victim turned activist.