A group of demonstrators clad in white shirts and pants with blood-red splotches over their crotches drew attention in Midtown Anchorage on Sunday.
The protest on the corner of Northern Lights Blvd. and Minnesota Blvd. was organized by The Bloodstained Men, a California-based nonprofit dedicated to ending the common medical practice, which they refer to as genital mutilation. The protest marked the second day of their tour across Alaska, where they plan to visit various locations.
Although protests are a familiar sight in Anchorage, this group’s theatrical appearance stood out. The demonstrators, both men and women, wore white outfits with vivid red markings meant to symbolize what they describe as the physical and emotional harm of infant circumcision.
The organization opposes the surgical removal of the foreskin, which is often performed on newborn boys in hospitals across the United States. Members argue that the procedure is unnecessary, harmful, and performed without the child’s consent.
Signs held by the demonstrators bore slogans such as “Circumcision = Child Abuse,” “Stop Cutting Baby Penis,” and “Nobody Wants Less Penis.”
Circumcision rates in the United States have declined in recent decades, but the practice remains common. In Alaska, rates are lower than the national average, and Medicaid does not routinely cover the procedure unless deemed medically necessary. Many male children born at home or in birthing centers escape the knife.
The Bloodstained Men have taken their protests across the country, often drawing support — and controversy — wherever they appear. They will be touring Alaska through July 13.
It is obvious some people just like to protest, but really? This group is obviously not aware of the high rate of cervical cancer among women married to men not circumcised. There are several other risk factors among women so perhaps these men should think of their partners and not just themselves.
And here I thought it to be a process to keep the penis clean. Or- if Jewish, a religious symbol of sorts. Regardless, I am circumcised, (at the apparent appropriate time). As to not giving consent, Heck, if consent were the guild line, then all those spankings and sitting in the corner without my consent are in play, right? What a “Karen” project these fools are about. Give me a break!!
Ha…If you can’t even pronounce Kenai (“Ken-I” as the reporter pronounced it), I am shocked you can even spell PENIS.
Good luck in Fairbanks. Ha. You will likely not be as well received as you were by the libs in Anchorage.
Most of us came here decades ago to get away from people like you that want to tell us how and what to do regarding our own families. And most people in Fairbanks are heavily armed citizens.
Take your bloody pants back to the lower 48 and get a real job.
Your parents must be so disappointed.
No doubt these same people are okay with genital mutilation of children to address mental disorders.