The Spanish Socialist Party will introduce a bill in the Congress of Deputies calling for
“the immediate inclusion of (simians) in the category of persons, and that they be given the moral and legal protection that currently are only enjoyed by human beings.”
An organization with the same name is seeking a UN declaration on simian rights which would defend ape interests “the same as those of minors and the mentally handicapped of our species.”
Now, I think the eating and medical testing on these poor fellows is dreadful – I mean, they seem pretty damned sentient, though not human, to me. But what I really want to know is, how does this affect the European Social Welfare model? Will the state have to care for them like other "minors and mentally handicapped of our species?" Inquiring minds want to know.
If that means providing them a reasonable habitat to live in (i.e. their own natural one), then yes, I think it ought to include such language.
The Great Ape Project, started by Peter Singer, is a really wonderful program that doesn't get nearly enough press, but it's the basis for these important pieces of legislation.
I hope their version of planned parenthood will keep them from having too many children. Wouldn't want to be a drain on the state ;)
Stewart, I've never heard of that program. Thanks for the link. I agree with the project's goal.
Seeker, you've managed to jokingly tie this to animal rights, welfare, and abortion. Why not add an obligatory remark about gay monkeys, and call it a day?
Steward, one would have to be blind to miss those connections. Except for the one to gay monkeys, that is.
Actually, the ties I mentioned are all there – if simians have human rights, why not the unborn humans? Reminds me of the "save the baby humans" bumper stickers – or the "save the whales, kill our unborn?" one.
But it does also beg the question – if they are protected by law, are they to be supported by govt the same as we do needy humans?
Just because I hit all your holy cows except homosexuality with one good article doesn't mean I did something wrong – it just means that liberal theology breaks down when you try to apply it systematically in an integrated fashion. ;)