2024-02-15 05:00:00
Referring to the European Court of Justice of Human Rights, in the context of the ban on ritual slaughter without stunning, was one of the last chances of the executive of the Muslims of Belgium. And it is a failure: the European judgment reinforces the call to legislate also in Brussels. What will happen in the future? And in the capital?
It is a decision loaded with meaning. The European Court of Human Rights has spoken out for the first time on the ban on ritual slaughter without stunning. Verdict: this law is not discriminatory and respects the right to freedom of religion.
The executive of the Muslims of Belgium does not hear it that way: “The Muslim community of Belgium is worried and wonders how far these restrictions will go regarding their religious freedoms which, moreover, reinforce the feeling of rejection and the discriminatory treatment of which she is a victim.”
For others, like the animal rights organization Gaïa, it is the culmination of several months of work.
Also read Does the ban on slaughter without stunning violate religious freedom? The European Court of Human Rights has ruled
“Scientifically, there is a consensus that animals stunned before being slaughtered suffer less. And now, legally, we have additional proof that we can go there, that there is no violation of freedom of religion, that there is no discrimination. So, for the well-being of animals, we must continue this fight in Brussels,” said Jonathan de Patoul, veterinarian and member of the Brussels Parliament.
In the north as in the south of the country, it has been compulsory since 2019 to stun sheep and cattle before slaughtering them to produce halal or kosher meat. In Brussels, this is not yet a reality, even if an attempt had been made in 2022. But with the doubt relating to discrimination removed, the issue should soon be put back on the agenda.
“A new code on animal welfare will be tabled in a few weeks in the Brussels parliament. A series of new rules which aim to better protect animal welfare. This point had been suspended (Editor’s note: the ban on slaughter without dizziness) because in the government, not everyone agreed on this. Perhaps Parliament will reconsider the question when it examines the new code in a few weeks”, says Bernard Clerfayt, Minister animal welfare officer in Brussels.
Discouraged, the Anderlecht slaughterhouses announced this summer that they would end all activity by 2028.
Slaughter without stunning
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