Below is the text of our proposed Santa Monica MGM Bill Ballot Initiative. If you live in the Santa Monica area and would like to help with the signature gathering effort, please contact us at [email protected].

The people of Santa Monica ordain as follows:

Article 4 (Public Welfare, Morals and Policy) of the Santa Monica Municipal Code is amended to add a new chapter, 4.76, entitled “Genital Cutting of Male Minors”, to read as follows:

Chapter 4.76 GENITAL CUTTING OF MALE MINORS

4.76.010 Prohibition of Genital Cutting of Male Minors.

     Except as provided in section 4.76.020, it is unlawful to circumcise, excise, cut, or mutilate the whole or any part of the foreskin, testicles, or penis of another person who has not attained the age of 18 years.

4.76.020 Exceptions.

     (a) A surgical operation is not a violation of this chapter if the operation is necessary to the physical health of the person on whom it is performed because of a clear, compelling, and immediate medical need with no less-destructive alternative treatment available, and is performed by a person licensed in the place of its performance as a medical practitioner.

     (b) In applying subsection (a), no account shall be taken of the effect on the person on whom the operation is to be performed of any belief on the part of that or any other person that the operation is required as a matter of custom or ritual.

4.76.030 Penalty.

     Any person who violates any provisions of this chapter shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction such person shall be punished by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars or by imprisonment in the County Jail for a period not to exceed one year, or by both such fine and imprisonment.