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Biolaw and the intimate

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 (...)

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

Burial grounds

Although the former state church is now an organisation separate from the state, some elements of the activities of the Church of Sweden are still closely connected to the state. A significant (...)

Although the former state church is now an organisation separate from the state, some elements of the activities of the Church of Sweden are still closely connected to the state. A significant example is that the Church of Sweden retains primary responsibility for the maintenance of burial grounds, with the exception of some other special arrangements in a few places in Sweden. This includes the provision of special burial plots for people of different religious traditions, when such requests occur. The state has delegated this public service responsibility to the Church of Sweden through special legislation (SFS 1990:1144). Non-members of the Church of Sweden still pay the part of the fee which goes to the maintenance of the burial grounds. This function of the Church of Sweden is often referred to as the last remaining part of its former position as a public authority, which should be handed over to the state sometime in the future. Currently, this is however not an important issue, nor in the political neither in the public debate.

D 21 May 2014    APer Pettersson

CNRS Unistra Dres Gsrl

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