[Cloud]

"hideously complicated" indeed. Thanks for your post, Dana, you are completely correct. Another factor that complicates the issue is that there is no consistency either in the actual procedure performed or the rationale behind it. Some groups say its to prevent health problems, some say it's to prevent overdeveloped sexuality, and therefore adultery, others I think just do it because they've always done it. It's a right of passage into adulthood or simply person-hood for most.

One of the best approaches, I think, is to keep the ritual, but substitute a "pretend" action; e.g., instead of actually removing the genitals, just make a ritual bloodletting.