Europe is in a muddle over ritual slaughter
A patchwork of conflicting laws leaves Jews, Muslims and vegans confused
EUROPE’S BUREAUCRATS are not usually shy about prescribing how exactly to prepare and present food. Yet there is one ultra-sensitive matter they prefer not to touch: whether Jews and Muslims should be allowed to slaughter animals as their faith usually requires, with just a swipe of a super-sharp knife that causes blood to cascade from the veins. American bodies that promote religious freedom have called the legal mess disgraceful; animal-rights activists and secular-minded organisations agree, for exactly opposite reasons.
This article appeared in the Europe section of the print edition under the headline “Trouble and knife”
Europe October 23rd 2021
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From the October 23rd 2021 edition
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