In the news recently...

[Fellow Traveler]

In Washington State, a father was found not guilty (http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20100513/NEWS/305139990) of second degree assault (http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=9A.36.021) and the jury was hung on the question of forth degree assault (http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=9A.36.041). In this case the father branded a set of initials on his two boys chest. I am curious to know who here agrees with the finding of the jury?

The normal additional question apply and I hope will be discussed. Primarily, for those who are 'parent's rights' in connection with regard to circumcision do you feel this father deserves the same latitude? Why or Why not?

[Leisa21]

Yes of course. He had no right to 'brand' his children, how awful.

Unfortunately circumcision is legal and while I don't agree with it, it's the Dr I blame for giving poor advice not the families. I believe it should be illegal but until it is I'm not going to say the parents are assulting their children. I won't say what I think of the Drs though.

[Fellow Traveler]

Yes of course. He had no right to 'brand' his children, how awful.

Unfortunately circumcision is legal and while I don't agree with it, it's the Dr I blame for giving poor advice not the families. I believe it should be illegal but until it is I'm not going to say the parents are assulting their children. I won't say what I think of the Drs though.

I agree he should have been convicted but when the discussion turns to circumcision, I keep hearing from those who promote or support it that for example:
People have to learn to accept differences within people and to respect the decisions that we make for our babies.

Or something similar. I should point out that it isn't explicitly illegal to brand a child; this individual was simply charged with assault. Should we then just learn to accept that some parents are just going to want to brand their children?

Although I quoted you consider this more of a question to everyone.

[Leisa21]

True but until circumcision is illegal I won't liken it to assult by the parents. I hate the practice, I think it's cruel and out dated but for some reason it's still legal so again I won't say parents should be charged with assult as they're just trusting their opinions.