This is the first time that a (critical) film about the circumcision of boys has been made in the Netherlands, and this broadcast led to a strong public debate. In this broadcast, a number of questions are put to the MP Ayaan Hirsi Ali, which she subsequently put to the Minister of Health. (Ayaan Hirsi Ali is the controversial Dutch MP who made the film Submission with filmmaker Theo van Gogh, who was subsequently murdered by a muslim fanatic). On Friday, 17 December 2004, the Minister decided to exclude the circumcision of boys from the Dutch National Health insurance scheme. 90% of the circumcisions were carried out for religious, rather than health reasons.

MOTHER, WHY WAS I CIRCUMCISED? from Michael Schaap on Vimeo.