Netherlands parliament rules against ritual animal slaughter

The Netherlands' parliament has passed a bill banning any slaughter of livestock without stunning, removing an exemption that has long allowed orthodox Dutch Jews and Muslims to butcher animals according to their centuries-old dietary rules.

However, the bill must still pass the senate and the government says it may be unenforceable in its current form.

The threat of a ban led to outcry from Jewish and Muslim groups who say it infringes their right to freedom of religion. They argue ritual slaughter – done by swiftly cutting animals' throats with a razor-sharp knife – is no worse than stunning.

For more: Netherlands parliament rules against ritual animal slaughter | World news | The Guardian