This day marks the sixth anniversary of the judgement by the Cologne Regional Court, which considered the medically not indicated removal of the foreskin (circumcision) from boys to be a bodily injury and thus a punishable offence. On the occasion of this anniversary, a broad alliance of organizations (including MOGIS, intaktiv, IBKA, pro familia NRW, Atheist Refugee Relief, Terre des Femmes, Zentralrat der Ex-Muslime, and gbs) is once again calling for a rally at the Cologne Regional Court (starting at 10:30 a.m.) to demand the right of all children worldwide to genital self-determination regardless of gender, origin or religion.

With this demonstration, the initiators want to offer a platform to all those who want to strictly reject bodily harm as part of parenting and demonstrate for the protection of all children worldwide from any violation of their physical and sexual integrity. This year the focus will be on female genital mutilation in Asia.

Far too little is known about female genital mutilation (FGM) in Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, India, Pakistan, Iraq, Iran, Oman, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Millions of girls there are victims of genital mutilation. In most cases circumcisions are based on religion and are carried out by medical personnel. The responsible persons strongly distinguish themselves from African practices by pointing to the method of intervention. May 7th is watching closely: Because it stands for "zero tolerance" for children's rights violations!

At the final speech speakers from many support organizations are expected (including Necla Kelek (intaktiv), Victor Schiering (MOGIS), Kamran Ganai (Zentralrat der Ex-Muslime) and Dr. Wolfgang Müller (pro familia NRW) - subject to change).

The Flyer "Worldwide Day Of Genital Autonomy: 6 Jahre 'Kölner Urteil'" (Worldwide Day Of Genital Autonomy: 6th anniversary of the 'Cologne Judgement') is available for download at genitale-selbstbestimmung.de as a PDF document.