Dutch Parliament Will Vote On Banning Kosher and Halal Slaughter

Netherlands Parliament is expected to vote later this month on a bill that, if passed, will outlaw kosher and halal slaughtering of animals.  AP reports that the bill would eliminate the exemption that now allows slaughter according to Jewish and Muslim religious requirements without animals first being stunned. The bill may pass because it is supported by an alliance of the Party of the Animals, an animal rights party, and the far right Freedom Party (which is particularly hostile to Dutch Muslims). Centrist parties say the bill is a distraction from the much more serious problem of abuses at regular slaughterhouses.  Netherlands' Christian Democratic Party opposes the bill because it will tarnish the country's image as a haven of tolerance for religious minorities. Netherlands was one of the first European countries to allow Jews to practice their religion openly. (Background.)