Ritual slaughter could continue under compromise, vote next week

A compromise, which would allow the ritual slaughter of animals to continue under certain circumstances, won majority support in parliament during Wednesday evening’s debate.


MPs were debating a total ban on ritual slaughter on the grounds of animal cruelty. The legislation was drawn up by the pro-animal party PvdD but is hotly contested by religious groups who say their freedom to practise their religion is being compromised.
The amendment, supported by ruling VVD Liberals, Labour (PvdA), and two other parties, can count on the support of 81 MPs out of 150, giving it a slim majority in the lower house.

Exceptions

The compromise would allow exceptions to the ban on slaughtering animals which have not been stunned if it can be proved this does not cause them more suffering.
D66 MP Stientje van Veldhoven said the proposal would allow Jewish and Islamic groups to find alternatives to their current methods of slaughter which do fit in with their religious beliefs.
Jewish groups said the compromise was a major disappointment and a ‘historic break with the tradition of tolerance towards Judaism’.
Parliament will vote on the proposed ban, and the amendment, next week. The legislation must also be approved by the upper house of parliament before it can become law.

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