The father of a 12-year-old boy told the Oregon Supreme Court that he should be allowed to arrange for his son to be circumcised, even if his ex-wife has concerns about the procedure.

James Boldt, who converted to Judaism in 2004 and has custody of the boy, argues that the circumcision is a decision best left to the custodial parent

The mother, Lia Boldt, had appealed to the high court after a lower court judge in 2004 sided with the father in the case. The judge ordered him not to have the circumcision done until the appeals were exhausted

Lia Boldt argues that that judge should have given her the chance to present evidence, in her efforts to regain custody of the boy, that the circumcision could physically and psychologically harm him

The child deserves a hearing," Geishker said. "This is a serious procedure on a 12-year-old. Most men, I think, would agree

executive director of Seattle-based Doctors Opposing Circumcision, said he hoped the court would consider the boy's rights