Many Muslims in Belgium believe that the ban is not just a matter of animal welfare, but also an infringement on their religious freedom and a reflection of broader societal prejudices against Muslims.
Rabat – The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) issued a final ruling on Tuesday, rejecting the appeal against the ban on halal slaughter in Belgium. Filed by Islamic and Jewish organizations, the appeal argued that the ban violates religious freedom, but the court said it found no grounds to review the ban.
According to a statement from Belgium’s most influential animal rights organization GAIA, the ECHR’s decision on February 13 was upheld, confirming that the ban on halal and kosher slaughter does not constitute a violation of religious freedom. GAIA added that the ECHR’s final decision effectively closes the case, Anadolu Agency reported. GAIA President Michel Vandenbosch stated: The European Court of Human Rights has confirmed its decision from February 13, 2024, asserting that the ban on halal slaughter does not infringe on religious freedom.
Belgium banned the practice of halal slaughter, as per Islamic tradition, and kosher slaughter, as per Jewish tradition, in the Flemish region in 2017 and the Walloon region in 2018 through respective legislation. In March 2024, Islamic and Jewish organizations brought the case to the ECHR.
In halal slaughter, the animal is killed by a swift incision to the throat and draining the blood, as prescribed by Islamic law. Meanwhile, Kosher slaughter, similar in many respects, follows Jewish dietary laws and also involves a precise method of cutting the throat and draining the blood.
Currently, halal slaughter is only permitted in the Brussels-Capital Region. Last year, the Brussels Parliament considered a proposal to ban halal slaughter, but it faced significant backlash from the Muslim and Jewish communities and was not approved.
Both Muslim and Jewish communities stress that these practices are central to their religious observances, as well as argue that they are humane when performed correctly. The bans have been perceived by many as an infringement on religious freedom.
