Dutch Senate Opposed To Ban On Ritual Slaughter
By KUNA
Majority of senators in the upper house of the Dutch parliament (the Senate) are opposed to a ban on the ritual slaughter of animals, Dutch media reported Wednesday.
Senators of the Labour party have now changed their minds and oppose a ban. The ruling People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) and Christian parties were already opposed to the ban .
Last June, the lower house of the Dutch parliament voted in favour of a ban on ritual slaughter.
Marianne Thieme, leader of an animal rights party, had introduced the ritual slaughter ban bill as animals are not stunned before they are killed.
Jewish and Muslim groups had campaigned strongly against the ban, arguing that it would compromise freedom of religion and that there is no evidence animals suffer more than in ordinary abattoirs.
Environment minister Henk Bleker has presented a draft text which would involve reaching a deal with Islamic and Kosher slaughterhouses about how long an animal should remain alive after having its throat cut.
The senate vote on the bill will take place next Tuesday.
