Animal welfare will probably soon have a place in our constitution. At least, if the House gives the green light. Not everyone thinks that’s a good idea. Certainly not former justice minister and MP Vincent Van Quickenborne (Open Vld). “This is extremely dangerous.”
Let’s rewind to November 2023. The Senate then gave the green light to include the protection of animals in the constitution. That has been a hobbyhorse of Groen and Ecolo for some time. Animal organization Gaia also reacted enthusiastically after that decision.
The final step is for the federal parliament to approve this. If two-thirds of the 150 MPs vote in favor of the proposal tonight, the Belgian State and the regions must solemnly promise to protect and care for animals “as sentient beings”. To be clear, this does not mean that animals will be given fundamental rights.
It is no secret that Gaia’s higher purpose is to stop people from eating meat. Well, that may be one of the side effects of this change, because it gives animals more rights
Member of Parliament Vincent Van Quickenborne (Open Vld)
‘Life-threatening’
Just symbolism? Certainly not, says MP and former justice minister Vincent Van Quickenborne (Open Vld). “I am in favor of animal welfare and my party approved the new Animal Welfare Code this week, but it is extremely dangerous to include this in the constitution.” Van Quickenborne fears that this opens the door to ‘activist judges’ who want to push their agenda. “It is no secret that Gaia’s higher purpose is to stop people from eating meat. Well, that may be one of the side effects of this change, because it gives animals more rights. All animals, including mosquitoes and wasps. It sounds absurd, but soon you may no longer even be allowed to kill a mosquito, as the chairman of Animal Rights in the Netherlands has said.”
The idea that eating meat will be banned or that we will no longer be allowed to kill mosquitoes is utter nonsense
Vooruit MP Kris Verduyckt
That is a strange interpretation, according to the parties that are in favor of the constitutional amendment. “That eating meat will be banned or that we will no longer be allowed to kill mosquitoes is enormous nonsense,” says Vooruit MP Kris Verduyckt. “This amendment does not give direct constitutional rights to animals. Governments must pursue a policy that promotes animal welfare. No decisions should be made that go against this. It therefore becomes more difficult to vote a law that goes against the welfare of animals, because the constitution is hierarchically above other laws.”
It remains to be seen whether there will be a vote tonight. There are many proposals on the agenda. If that happens this week, it is expected that Groen, Ecolo, Vooruit, PVDA-PTB, MR, Les Engagés and Vlaams Belang will certainly vote in favor. N-VA and CD&V are leaving their position open and awaiting the debate. Open Vld is critical, but emphasizes that their politicians are allowed to vote freely.
To be clear, a change in the constitution is not necessary to protect animals. The regions are responsible for protecting animal welfare. Two years ago, Flemish Minister of Animal Welfare Ben Weyts (N-VA) increased the fines and prison sentences for people guilty of animal abuse.
Record number of animal seizures in Flanders in 2023
Scientist Jane Goodall about dolphinarium in Bruges: “The captivity of these animals must end” (+)
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