Please excuse one further post on this issue.

Kathy Dettwyler wrote,

"While it is true that the Koran itself does not specifically say that
females should be circumcised, and while it is true that women in Saudi
Arabia are not circumcized . . . nonetheless, many many people who are
devout Muslims *believe* that it is required by their religion and justified
by the Koran."


I would like to point out that the vast majority of Muslims do not practice
female circumsion.  Islam has a well documented system of Islamic law
including the Quran, similar to Jewish law, and it would be very difficult
to argue using these legal principles that female circumsion is justified.
In fact it can be argued that female circumsion is a very unislamic act.  I
contacted the American Muslim Council, 1212 New York Ave. NW, suite 400,
Washington, DC 20005-3987.  They stated that, "The overwelming majority of
Muslim religious scholars regard female circumsion as an unislamic act."

Also the majority of Muslims do not practice female circumsion.  Many more
than just those few in Saudi Arabia.  My point is that one should not
slander any group or religion based on what a few members of that group may
practice, especially when the behavior in question is judged as wrong by the
majority of the followers of that religion.

It is important to remember that female circumsion is practiced by other
cultures and religions not just Muslims. For example Coptic Christians
practice female circumsion.

A question was raised about the population of Muslims in the U.S. The
current confirmed number is 6 million, with some estimates as high as 10
million.

I took this from the LACTNET charter,
"Naming names in a derogatory way is not acceptable on LACTNET. Neither is
bashing of one group or another...such as doctors, LLLers, ILCA, WIC
personnel, etc. Doing so places everyone at risk for SLANDER OR LIBEL
suits, even if the posted comment is true."

I hope this extends to Muslims too.

Sincerely,
Lisa Haider