New developments today as the proposed circumcision ban inches its way towards popping up on the November ballot: After religious groups whipped out a lawsuit last week, calling the proposed ban an attack on their First Amendment rights, the City Attorney's office put on their legal briefs to weigh in: According to Deputy City Attorney Therese Stewart the situation gets a little sticky when you consider that it would only be unconstitutional if applied to religious practices. Banning circumcision as a medical practice, however, could be kosher (with the Constitution, anyway).

In her brief, Stewart also balked at the "disturbing campaign materials" depicting an obviously anti-Semitic Monster Mohel character that is "darkly evocative of Nazi propaganda of the 1930s and 1940s." While the actual ballot measure skirts the mention of religious practices, the Foreskin Man comic peels back any doubt that the measure was solely directed at circumcision as a medical practice. So the measure's fate could hinge on a comic book, basically.

If you're wondering why Dennis Herrera is letting a deputy handle the briefs on this case - it's not because he's shy. The City Attorney has recused himself to avoid possibly awkward moments and political conflicts of interest with his run for the Mayor's office.

[SFWeekly]
[BCN/Appeal]
[SFEx]