“Creating opportunities for honest discussion”

“Humanists must take seriously the concerns and fears that have arisen in the Jewish and Muslim communities following the controversial ruling by the Cologne Regional Court,” said Frieder Otto Wolf, President of the Humanist Association of Germany, in Berlin on Wednesday. In the course of the controversial public debate that arose after the so-called circumcision ruling became known, members and representatives of the Jewish community in particular had repeatedly expressed horror and concern about the emergence of new anti-Semitic attitudes. “Nobody should ignore this,” emphasized Frieder Otto Wolf. “The circumcision ruling must not become a springboard for views and attitudes that are characterized by anti-Semitic, racist or xenophobic thinking. A clear position must be taken on discussions in everyday life and the media if motives are revealed that are not compatible with a humanistic view.” Frieder Otto Wolf also reminded the audience that xenophobic and culturally intolerant attitudes have frequently attempted to clothe themselves in the guise of serious criticism of Islam in recent years. “Comparable attempts by people hostile to members of the Jewish or Islamic cultural sphere must be consistently identified, made public and, where possible, prevented in the current discussions about the circumcision of children.” And on this topic too, humanists in particular should show that a culture of discussion characterized by diligence is indispensable and that tolerance, the ability to understand and the rational discussion of problems and contradictions are among the principles of humanist action and thought. “Religion and religious practice should also always be given the chance to develop in a way that is compatible with the rule of law,” Wolf continued. In the existing disputes, fundamentalist attitudes should not be allowed to dominate the debate. “It is important that the voices of reason enter into a constructive dialog and can finally make themselves heard with their statements,” said Wolf, also with a view to attempts by the federal parties to regulate the circumcision of boys very quickly. “In my opinion, creating real opportunities for an honest discussion and reflection on reforms is the best way to help children as well as their parents and relatives.”