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Circumcision, food, slaughter, clothing

When it comes to religious traditions such as circumcision, regulations surrounding food or clothing, these are regarded as private matters. No special act refers to religion as a motive for legal exemption, although the law on circumcision may be seen as referring to religion as a motive. Female circumcision is strictly prohibited in Sweden, while male circumcision is accepted by the law but must be performed by professional doctors with the use of anesthesia. However, the circumcision of boys under two months of age may be performed by persons who have been given special permission by the national Social Authority (Socialstyrelsen) following recommendation by a faith community which has circumcision as a tradition (SFS 2001:449). The legal acceptance of circumcision is, however, often questioned, e.g. by medical professionals who argue that it amounts to mistreatment of the child.
Religious slaughter according to the Jewish or Islamic practice is still prohibited in Sweden, although many argue for a change. The use of traditional clothing, which is often cited as having religious motivations, like the headscarf for Muslims or the Sikh turban, often leads to negotiations at a local level in work places. Such negotiations are normally solved through mutual agreement, and there is no specific law regulating the right to wear religious garments. The most controversial clothing discussion has been on the issue of whether the Muslim burqa should be accepted in public spaces. There is no Swedish law regulating religious clothing.

April 2014

D 16 May 2014    APer Pettersson

CNRS Unistra Dres Gsrl

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