Conscious Circumcision

In Kazakhstan, as in many predominantly Muslim countries, it is customary to perform circumcision on boys at a young age for religious reasons.

I believe this is wrong, as it essentially constitutes violence against children. At 3–5 years old, a child does not yet understand their religious identity and cannot make an informed choice. They are defenseless against the will of parents who decide for them that they will be Muslim or Jewish.

Thus, circumcising boys at such an age can be considered genuine violence against children. Yes, we often make children do things—like take medicine when sick, do homework, or go to bed early. But such “violence” is aimed at the child’s benefit, protecting their life, health, or development. The same cannot be said for circumcision.

Some parents justify circumcision with hygienic reasons, claiming it’s beneficial for health. This is not true. In rare cases, circumcision is medically prescribed for specific conditions, but only on a doctor’s recommendation. It’s not meant for an entire nation. If it were truly necessary for all men, the rest of humanity would practice it too. Yet billions of men worldwide live healthy, happy lives without circumcision. So, justifying widespread circumcision as a health concern is disingenuous.

I believe Kazakhstan should legally ban circumcision in childhood and leave the decision to each individual upon reaching 18. The choice to join a particular faith should be made by the person themselves, at an age of conscious awareness.