Lag(2001:499)

The Lag (2001:499) om omskärelse av pojkar (Law (2001:499) about the circumcision of boys) has been regulating since 2001 in Sweden the genital mutilation in minors under 18 years.

Consequently, such circumcisions must always be performed as a surgical procedure by a licensed physician and under anesthesia, even if there is no medical indication. Boys up to the age of two may be genitally mutilated by a non-medical practitioner if they have a state authorization. This applies specifically to people like mohels, who are named by faith communities.

Anyone undertaking circumcision without the necessary qualification or admission must expect a fine or imprisonment of up to six months. In the case of minors, the legal guardians must consent, but not against the will of the boy, provided that he has the necessary maturity for such explanation.

It may be assumed that this law served as a template for the German Circumcision Act, while the Mohel clause provides a special right in Germany up to the age of six months, whereas Sweden sets a stricter limit at two months.