A Tanzanian female MP is advocating for compulsory checking of all male legislators followed by a forced cut should anyone be found uncircumcised.
Jackline Ngonyani believes the procedure will play a big role in reducing the spread of HIV.
HIV is seen as a major threat to public health in Tanzania.
Ms Ngonyani on Friday said any MP found not to have been circumcised should be required to undergo the cut.
Her suggestion was met with mixed feelings among her colleagues.
Around 70 per cent of the male population in Tanzania is circumcised.
Around 5 per cent of Tanzania’s adult population is believed to have been infected by HIV – giving it the 13th highest rate of infection in the world, according to figures from 2016.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says circumcision reduces the risk of heterosexual men contracting HIV by around 60 per cent.
Several African countries that are fighting HIV epidemics have launched campaigns to encourage men to undergo the procedure, which involves surgically removing the foreskin from the penis.
Ngonyani made the comments during a debate in parliament about how to curb the spread of HIV in the country.
Her suggestion was backed by MP Joseph Selasini.
However, MP Joseph Kasheku opposed Ms Ngonyani’s proposal, describing it as uncouth and invasive.
In Kenya, some top politicians voluntarily submitted to the procedure in 2008 as a way of encouraging men from their communities to do the same.