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==Nordic position== | ==Nordic position== | ||
In 2013, children's ombudsmen from [[Sweden]], [[Norway]], Finland, [[Denmark]], and Iceland, along with the Chair of the Danish Children's Council and the children's spokesperson for Greenland, passed a resolution that emphasized the decision to be circumcised should belong to the individual, who should be able to give [[informed consent]].<ref name="resolution2">{{REFweb | In 2013, children's ombudsmen from [[Sweden]], [[Norway]], Finland, [[Denmark]], and Iceland, along with the Chair of the Danish Children's Council and the children's spokesperson for Greenland, passed a resolution that emphasized the decision to be [[circumcised]] should belong to the individual, who should be able to give [[informed consent]].<ref name="resolution2">{{REFweb | ||
|last=Nordic Association of Children's Ombudsmen | |last=Nordic Association of Children's Ombudsmen | ||
|title=Let the boys decide for themselves | |title=Let the boys decide for themselves | ||
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No one shall be sentenced to death, tortured or otherwise treated in a manner violating human dignity. | No one shall be sentenced to death, tortured or otherwise treated in a manner violating human dignity. | ||
The personal integrity of the individual shall not be violated, nor shall anyone be deprived of liberty arbitrarily or without a reason prescribed by an Act. A penalty involving deprivation of liberty may be imposed only by a court of law. The lawfulness of other cases of deprivation of liberty may be submitted for review by a court of law. The rights of individuals deprived of their liberty shall be guaranteed by an Act.<ref name="constitution2018" /> | The personal integrity of the individual shall not be violated, nor shall anyone be deprived of liberty arbitrarily or without a reason prescribed by an Act. A penalty involving deprivation of liberty may be imposed only by a court of law. The lawfulness of other cases of deprivation of liberty may be submitted for review by a court of law. The rights of individuals deprived of their liberty shall be guaranteed by an Act.<ref name="constitution2018"/> | ||
</blockquote> | </blockquote> | ||
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The resolution includes other topics such as the [[FGM|female genital mutilation]], the [[MGM|male circumcision]] for religious reasons, and the submission or coercion of a child to piercings, tattoos or cosmetic surgery. | The resolution includes other topics such as the [[FGM|female genital mutilation]], the [[MGM|male circumcision]] for religious reasons, and the submission or coercion of a child to piercings, tattoos or cosmetic surgery. | ||
The resolution calls on all member States to " | The resolution calls on all member States to "examine the prevalence of different categories of non-medically justified operations and interventions impacting on the physical integrity of children in their respective countries, as well as the specific practices related to them, and to carefully consider them in light of the best interests of the child in order to define specific lines of action for each of them; initiate focused awareness-raising measures for each of these categories of violation of the physical integrity of children, to be carried out in the specific contexts where information may best be conveyed to families, such as the medical sector (hospitals and individual practitioners), schools, religious communities or service providers; […]." | ||
This first resolution of its kind by a European institution is not legally binding, but an important signal for further debate and action. It shifts the approach of the point of view of the topic from the current medical domain towards a [[human rights]] approach and identifies the right to bodily integrity, autonomy and self-determination. It calls the for the end of non-therapeutic cosmetic medical and surgical interventions. | This first resolution of its kind by a European institution is not legally binding, but an important signal for further debate and action. It shifts the approach of the point of view of the topic from the current medical domain towards a [[human rights]] approach and identifies the right to bodily integrity, autonomy and self-determination. It calls the for the end of non-therapeutic cosmetic medical and surgical interventions. | ||
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In a ruling issued in 1999 the Deputy Parliamentary Ombudsman Riitta-Leena Paunio said that Finnish public health institutions are not obliged to perform male circumcisions for non-medical reasons. | In a ruling issued in 1999 the Deputy Parliamentary Ombudsman Riitta-Leena Paunio said that Finnish public health institutions are not obliged to perform male circumcisions for non-medical reasons. | ||
Four boys in Finland were hospitalized after being [[circumcised]] by a visiting Muslim doctor. One of the boys had gangrene in his penis, but it apparently was successfully treated in hospital. An African-born doctor visiting Kuopio last week performed the operation on seven Muslim boys. The youngest was just three months old, and the oldest were about ten.<ref>{{REFnews | Four boys in Finland were hospitalized after being [[circumcised]] by a visiting Muslim doctor. One of the boys had [[gangrene]] in his [[penis]], but it apparently was successfully treated in hospital. An African-born doctor visiting Kuopio last week performed the operation on seven Muslim boys. The youngest was just three months old, and the oldest were about ten.<ref>{{REFnews | ||
|title=Botched circumcisions send four boys to hospital in Kuopio | |title=Botched circumcisions send four boys to hospital in Kuopio | ||
|url= | |url=https://www.cirp.org/news/2001/2001-08-21_helsinkinews.php | ||
|last= | |last= | ||
|first= | |first= | ||
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|website= | |website= | ||
|date=2001-08-21 | |date=2001-08-21 | ||
|accessdate= | |accessdate=2025-03-04 | ||
|quote= | |quote= | ||
}}</ref> | }}</ref> | ||
The office of the Prosecutor General is considering filing charges in a case in which seven Muslim boys in the city of Kuopio had to be hospitalised last year following religiously-mandated circumcisions performed at their homes. In August last year an African-born doctor performed circumcisions according to Muslim teaching on the seven boys, who later required hospital treatment. When the case was made public, police investigated it as one of aggravated assault. One of the investigators now says that factors have come to light which mean that the actions cannot be considered aggravated. The case is being investigated as an ordinary assault. The boys' parents have been interrogated as possible suspects.<ref>{{REFnews | The office of the Prosecutor General is considering filing charges in a case in which seven Muslim boys in the city of Kuopio had to be hospitalised last year following religiously-mandated circumcisions performed at their homes. In August last year, an African-born doctor performed circumcisions according to Muslim teaching on the seven boys, who later required hospital treatment. When the case was made public, police investigated it as one of aggravated assault. One of the investigators now says that factors have come to light which mean that the actions cannot be considered aggravated. The case is being investigated as an ordinary assault. The boys' parents have been interrogated as possible suspects.<ref>{{REFnews | ||
|title=Prosecutor General to consider possible charges in botched circumcision case | |title=Prosecutor General to consider possible charges in botched circumcision case | ||
|url= | |url=https://www.cirp.org/news/2002/2002-01-29_helsinginsanomat.php | ||
|last= | |last= | ||
|first= | |first= | ||
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|website= | |website= | ||
|date=2002-01-29 | |date=2002-01-29 | ||
|accessdate= | |accessdate=2025-03-04 | ||
|quote= | |quote= | ||
}}</ref> | }}</ref> | ||
The [https://stm.fi/en/ministry Ministry of Social Affairs and Health] and the Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities sent a letter to Finnish university hospitals in 2003 to urge them to perform non-medical circumcisions, however some doctors have refused to perform the operation, saying | The [https://stm.fi/en/ministry Ministry of Social Affairs and Health] and the Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities sent a letter to Finnish university hospitals in 2003 to urge them to perform non-medical circumcisions, however some doctors have refused to perform the operation, saying that it violates the [[physical integrity]] of the child.<ref>{{REFnews | ||
|title=Finnish hospitals urged to perform circumcisions | |title=Finnish hospitals urged to perform circumcisions | ||
|url= | |url=https://www.cirp.org/news/2003/2003-03-24_helsinginsanomat.php | ||
|last= | |last= | ||
|first= | |first= | ||
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|website= | |website= | ||
|date=2003-03-24 | |date=2003-03-24 | ||
|accessdate= | |accessdate=2025-03-04 | ||
|quote= | |quote= | ||
}}</ref> | }}</ref> | ||
The [https://www.lskl.fi/english/ Central Union for Child Welfare] in Finland issued a position statement on male circumcision in 2003. The statement said "circumcision of boys that violates the personal integrity of the boys is not acceptable unless it is done for medical reasons to treat an illness."<ref>{{REFdocument | The [https://www.lskl.fi/english/ Central Union for Child Welfare] in Finland issued a position statement on male [[circumcision]] in 2003. The statement said "circumcision of boys that violates the personal integrity of the boys is not acceptable unless it is done for medical reasons to treat an illness."<ref>{{REFdocument | ||
|title=Position Statement on the Circumcision of Boys | |title=Position Statement on the Circumcision of Boys | ||
|url= | |url=https://www.cirp.org/library/statements/finland2003/ | ||
|contribution= | |contribution= | ||
|last= | |last= | ||
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}}</ref> | }}</ref> | ||
A Muslim mother had been charged with assault after she had her four-year-old son [[circumcised]]. The trial court ruled that the circumcision of the boy was illegal.<ref>{{REFnews | A Muslim mother had been charged with assault after she had her four-year-old son [[circumcised]]. The trial court ruled that the [[circumcision]] of the boy was illegal.<ref>{{REFnews | ||
|title=Court rules circumcision of four-year-old boy illegal | |title=Court rules circumcision of four-year-old boy illegal | ||
|url= | |url=https://www.cirp.org/news/2006/2006-08-07_helsinginsanomat.php | ||
|last= | |last= | ||
|first= | |first= | ||
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|website= | |website= | ||
|date=2006-08-07 | |date=2006-08-07 | ||
|accessdate= | |accessdate=2025-03-04 | ||
|quote= | |quote= | ||
}}</ref> | }}</ref> | ||
The Ministry of Social Affairs planned to legalise male | The Ministry of Social Affairs planned to legalise male circumcision in 2008, but the plan was not adopted.<ref>{{REFnews | ||
|title=Finland Considers Legalising Male Circumcision | |title=Finland Considers Legalising Male Circumcision | ||
|url=http://www.circumstitions.com/news/news30.html#finland | |url=http://www.circumstitions.com/news/news30.html#finland | ||
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}}</ref> | }}</ref> | ||
The [https://www.perussuomalaiset.fi/kielisivu/in-english/ Finns Party] (''Perussuomalaiset'', or PS), formerly known as the True Finns, Finland's third largest political party, proposed banning non-medical ritual circumcision in October 2012.<ref>{{REFnews | The [https://www.perussuomalaiset.fi/kielisivu/in-english/ Finns Party] (''Perussuomalaiset'', or PS), formerly known as the True Finns, Finland's third largest political party, proposed banning non-medical [[Brit Milah| ritual circumcision]] in October 2012.<ref>{{REFnews | ||
|title=Finnish party plans new bill to ban circumcision | |title=Finnish party plans new bill to ban circumcision | ||
|url=http://www.circumstitions.com/news/news50.html#finland-nolaw3 | |url=http://www.circumstitions.com/news/news50.html#finland-nolaw3 | ||
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Foreigner.fi (2019) reported non-medical circumcisions of boys are lawful in Finland, subject to the following conditions: | Foreigner.fi (2019) reported non-medical circumcisions of boys are lawful in Finland, subject to the following conditions: | ||
* Non-medical circumcision is not covered by health care or performed in hospitals or health centres. | * Non-medical [[circumcision]] is not covered by health care or performed in hospitals or health centres. | ||
* Circumcision must be performed by a medical doctor. | * [[Circumcision]] must be performed by a medical doctor. | ||
* The doctor must perform the circumcision in a clean and sterile environment to prevent infection. | * The doctor must perform the circumcision in a clean and sterile environment to prevent [[infection]]. | ||
* Pain-killers must be used to prevent pain. | * Pain-killers must be used to prevent [[pain]]. | ||
* The attending physician must provide information about after-care. | * The attending physician must provide information about after-care. | ||
* The guardians of the boy must provide written [[informed consent]]. If there are two guardians, both must sign. | * The guardians of the boy must provide written [[informed consent]]. If there are two guardians, both must sign. | ||
* The boy must also provide his consent if he is of age to do so. | * The boy must also provide his consent if he is of age to do so. | ||
* The guardians must pay for the cost of the circumcision. | * The guardians must pay for the cost of the [[circumcision]]. | ||
* The immigration department estimates that about 400 non-medical circumcisions are performed each year.<ref name="foreigner2019">{{REFweb | * The immigration department estimates that about 400 non-medical circumcisions are performed each year.<ref name="foreigner2019">{{REFweb | ||
|url=https://www.foreigner.fi/articulo/moving-to-finland/boys-circumcision-from-legal-persecution-to-public-guidance/20190124153314001189.html | |url=https://www.foreigner.fi/articulo/moving-to-finland/boys-circumcision-from-legal-persecution-to-public-guidance/20190124153314001189.html | ||
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}}</ref> | }}</ref> | ||
The [https://www.eduskunta.fi/EN/Pages/default.aspx Parliament of Finland] acted on 6 November 2020 to amend the criminal code to more clearly ban female genital mutilation (FGM). In addition, the [https://www.eduskunta.fi/EN/valiokunnat/lakivaliokunta/Pages/default.aspx Committee on Legal Affairs] stated with regard to male genital mutilation (circumcision) of boys: | The [https://www.eduskunta.fi/EN/Pages/default.aspx Parliament of Finland] acted on 6 November 2020 to amend the criminal code to more clearly ban [[female genital mutilation]] (FGM). In addition, the [https://www.eduskunta.fi/EN/valiokunnat/lakivaliokunta/Pages/default.aspx Committee on Legal Affairs] stated with regard to [[MGM| male genital mutilation]] (circumcision) of boys: | ||
<blockquote> | <blockquote> | ||
However, in its report, the committee also addressed the non-medical [[circumcision]] of boys. | However, in its report, the committee also addressed the non-medical [[circumcision]] of boys. | ||
According to it, non-medical circumcision of boys basically satisfies the characteristics of assault. | According to it, non-medical [[circumcision]] of boys basically satisfies the characteristics of assault. - However, there is no legislation on the conditions under which non-medical circumcision of boys is allowed and no government proposal has been submitted to Parliament. | ||
- However, there is no legislation on the conditions under which non-medical circumcision of boys is allowed and no government proposal has been submitted to Parliament. | |||
In Finland, therefore, there is no specific legal justification for non-medical circumcision of boys, the committee states in its report. | In Finland, therefore, there is no specific legal justification for non-medical [[circumcision]] of boys, the committee states in its report. | ||
The Committee on Legal Affairs therefore considered that non-medical circumcision of boys also involves regulatory needs that need to be further explored and assessed. | The Committee on Legal Affairs therefore considered that non-medical [[circumcision]] of boys also involves regulatory needs that need to be further explored and assessed. | ||
The parliamentary vote dealt with two objections to the non-medical circumcision of boys, which had been made by Christian MP Antero Laukkaunen, supported by Sari Tanus (kd), and MP Sebastian Tynkkynen (ps), supported by Mari Rantanen (ps). | The parliamentary vote dealt with two objections to the non-medical circumcision of boys, which had been made by Christian MP Antero Laukkaunen, supported by Sari Tanus (kd), and MP Sebastian Tynkkynen (ps), supported by Mari Rantanen (ps). | ||
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</blockquote> | </blockquote> | ||
Antero Laukkanen, MP, on the other hand, demanded that the paragraphs and sentences on non-medical circumcision of boys be deleted and that Parliament approve the committee's report as far as the ban on female and female genital mutilation is concerned.<ref name="teller2020" /> | Antero Laukkanen, MP, on the other hand, demanded that the paragraphs and sentences on non-medical [[circumcision]] of boys be deleted and that Parliament approve the committee's report as far as the ban on female and [[female genital mutilation]] is concerned.<ref name="teller2020" /> | ||
The percentage of males [[circumcised]] in Finland (prevalence) is reported to be 0.8%.<ref>{{REFweb | |||
|url=https://circstatistics.github.io/ | |||
|title=Global Circumcision Statistics and Estimates | |||
|last= | |||
|first= | |||
|init= | |||
|publisher=https://circstatistics.github.io | |||
|date=2024-04-01 | |||
|accessdate=2024-04-01 | |||
}}</ref> | |||
==Video== | ==Video== | ||
This video considers the position not medically indicated religious circumcision in Finland. | This video considers the position not medically indicated religious circumcision in Finland. | ||
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|quote= | |quote= | ||
}} | }} | ||
* {{REFweb | |||
|url=https://intactamerica.org/cultures-that-reject-circumcision/ | |||
|title=Cultures That Reject Circumcision—And Why They’re Right | |||
|last=Alissa | |||
|first=Kristel | |||
|init= | |||
|author-link=Kristel Alissa | |||
|publisher=Intact America | |||
|date=2025-02-23 | |||
|accessdate=2025-05-08 | |||
}} | |||
{{REF}} | |||
[[Category:Circumcision]] | [[Category:Circumcision]] | ||
[[Category:Male circumcision]] | [[Category:Male circumcision]] | ||
[[Category:Country]] | |||
[[Category:Europe]] | |||
[[Category:Finland]] | |||
[[de:Finnland]] | [[de:Finnland]] | ||