On Monday, the Swedish Parliament (Riksdag) effected an act of law that restricted the circumcision of boys. It now insists that all circumcisions will only be allowed under anesthetic and in the presence of a government-registered doctor or nurse.

The law was enacted after a Muslim boy died while undergoing the procedure.However, Swedish Muslims and Jews object to the new law, saying it violates their religious rights. Moreover, a registered physician performed the circumcision and the death was caused by an overdose of anesthetics.

The groups claim they will not be able to find nurses or doctors to perform the operations because many health professionals view the process as a form of mutilation without any medical benefits.

There has been much debate over the medical benefits of male circumcisions. Some studies say it reduces the chance of contracting sexually transmitted diseases and improves hygiene while others say there are no benefits at all.

This controversial law comes on the heels of a decision by the Riksdag to recognize the Jewish community as a national minority.