“To cut any body part off somebody who can't consent … is just madness. You wouldn't cut off an ear or a finger or a nose.”

—JONATHON CONTE, 29, a San Francisco resident and anti-circumcision activist, on why he believes the practice, which is customary in Jewish and Muslim traditions, should be outlawed. Local activists have gathered 12,265 signatures in support of a city ban on circumcision of any male under 18, which may be enough to put the measure on the ballot for the Nov. 8 election. Opponents say such a ban would be unconstitutional because it violates our freedom of religion. [via The San Francisco Chronicle]