The High Court has rejected an application by parents to have their 16 month old son (G), who is in care, ritually circumcised.
G's father is of Lebanese Muslim heritage and argued that ritual circumcision was an important aspect of the boy's identity. The application was also supported by G's mother.

The judge, Nageena Khalique KC, explained the Children Act 1989 requires the welfare of the child to be "the paramount consideration" in reaching a decision on ritual circumcision.
The procedure is "likely to be painful and carries with it small but definable physical risks and long term emotional or psychological impact", she said.
Three children have bled to death in recent years in the UK following circumcision. The NHS website lists "permanent reduction in sensation in the head of the penis, particularly during sex" as a complication of the procedure.
Khalique explained the court is not bound to give effect to the wishes of the parents about religious upbringing "when satisfied that the child's
welfare requires otherwise"

Instead, the decision should be "deferred until G is older and can make the decision himself".