In Switzerland, if something fails in parliament, all is not lost because there is still direct democracy. A No from parliament does not mean a No from the people. By launching a popular initiative, you can thumb your nose at parliament with support from the electorate.
That is what happened recently with the proposed import ban on products involving cruelty to animals, which are banned from production in Switzerland:
+ Animal rights groups seek to ban foie gras, other imports
After the Senate decision on November 28 to continue allowing such imports, an alliance of animal rights organisationsexteal link announced it planned to collect the necessary signatures for a popular initiative, which would force a nationwide vote. The aim is to implement the motionexteal link introduced by Social Democratic parliamentarian Matthias Aebischer which did not get through parliament.
Better two than one
The Green Party’s initiative for ethically produced foodexteal link already aims to ban imports of food products that do not meet local regulations with regard to animal rights. So why another initiative from the animal rights alliance?
The initiative for ethically produced food is wider and does not target only products from animals treated cruelly. It also aims to promote food that is produced with respect for the environment, resources, animals, and with fair working conditions. The aim is to reduce food waste and give seasonal products a commercial advantage to protect the environment and the climate.
Michael Gehrken of the Swiss Animal Rights Alliance thinks that if the Greens’ initiative is approved by the people, then the Alliance’s one is not necessary. But since the initiative for ethically produced food is wider, it is possible that the electorate might reject that while approving the one to ban imports of products involving cruelty to animals.
Halal and kosher meat
So, if voters approve the Animal Rights Alliance initiative, which products would be banned from import to Switzerland?
“All products from animals that have been treated cruelly,” Gehrken says, although he does not give examples.
He says the ban would cover all products whose production is illegal in Switzerland, with one exception: it would not cover halal and kosher meat, even though slaughtering animals without previously stunning them is forbidden in Switzerland.
“Fundamental rights are guaranteed in Switzerland, notably religious freedom,” he says.
Translated from French by Julia Crawford,
swissinfo.ch