Father charged with assault for attempted circumcision

RIDGEFIELD, Wash. - A Ridgefield, Washington, man faces assault charges after trying to circumcise his eight-year-old son with a kitchen knife.

Edward Baxter is being held in the Clark County jail on $50,000 bail.

Baxter told police that he numbed the boy's penis with ice before attempting the circumcision at home. The eight-year-old has only minor injuries.

Baxter was arrested and charged with assault.

Prosecutor Kim Farr says the Ridgefield man was inspired by the Bible, which says that all men should be circumcised.

Baxter and his wife have nine children.

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