Issues Paper 14 released on 2 June 2009 highlights the uncertainty in relation to whether doctors can legally perform circumcision on infant males. The project reviews the current law regulating non-therapeutic male circumcision in Australia, with particular reference to Tasmania. The project examines the criminal and civil responsibility of those who perform, aid or instigate the procedure. The issues paper seeks to overcome the lack of clarity in the application of the existing circumcision laws which have arisen from the absence of a thorough legal analysis in Australia.

This topic for law reform was suggested by the Tasmanian Commissioner for Children.

Any group or person is invited to respond to this issues paper. Following consideration of all responses it is intended that a final report will be published, containing recommendations.

The Institute invites responses to the Issues Paper by 28 August 2009.

Please click here for a copy of the media release.