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Animals & Religion

Bishop Denounces Law Giving Rights to Primates

July 8, 2008 : 9:07 PM

Spain's Bishop Aguirre reacts to line-blurring law

Bishop Jose Ignacia Munnilla Aguirre of Palancia, feels that “Spain has become the first nation in the world to recognize three fundamental rights traditionally attributed to man...to apes: the right to life, the right to freedom and the right not to be tortured physically or psychologically.” The Bishop believes that the law will, "blur the lines between species."

To read the whole story and hear the Bishop's perspective, visit: http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=13153

What You Can Do

Do you believe that animals have a spiritual identity? Visit http://www.bestfriends.org/signproc to read and endorse, "A Religious Proclamation for Animal Compassion."

Catholic News Agency article: http://www.catholicnewsagency.com

Posted by Kris Haley, Best Friends Manager of Multifaith Outreach

Comments

July 29, 2008 at 8:51 PM
posted by: PamelaB

In today's EVANA Newsletter (European Vegetarian and Animal Alliance), there is this splendid and hopeful news on the primate legislation in Spain:

"Very good news coming from Spain:

Spanish parliament to extend rights to apes --- Spain's parliament voiced
its support on Wednesday for the rights of great apes to life and freedom in
what will apparently be the first time any national legislature has called
for such rights for non-humans.

Note: Let's hope that all the articles and comments full of poison and
hatred against this move will not undermine the determination of those who
took this remarkable step towards a more humane world."

Check out this and great related stories on EVANA!

July 21, 2008 at 11:46 PM
posted by: leafeyes

I like primates this one is obviously intelligent, and good looking too.

July 15, 2008 at 12:19 AM
posted by: bigb

he should certainly hope for protection from those laws since he is not a member of the homo sapiens, and he's definitely lower than an ape. he should be happy to be related to lemurs. i know, i know that's an insult to lemurs.

July 11, 2008 at 10:04 PM
posted by: kittychump

iQue lastima! This is a pity - and a shame. Saint Francis certainly treasured animals without reservation. I am not a Catholic but I can truthfully say that this Bishop's pronouncements speak from a place of fear and division not of love and unity.

In my experience, animals are usually far superior in their behaviors compared to humans - who leave more & more to be desired each and every day. According to the Bible, wasn't Jesus born in a manger surrounded by animals loving and worshipping Him?!!! Much safer company than most humans of then - and now.