Despite Christian, Muslim opposition, Indian state bans slaying cows

(July 17, 2010) The Karnataka state legislature's upper house has passed a controversial bill banning the slaughter of cows, ignoring fierce opposition by Christians and Muslims. Pro-Hindu Bharatiya Janata Party lawmakers passed the bill July 15 without a debate after the main opposition Congress Party boycotted proceedings, it is reported. Church leaders in Karnataka said the move was aimed at appeasing the Hindu majority. Orthodox Hindus consider the cow sacred. "Despite protests by thousands, the bill was passed. It is not right on the part of a government," said Bishop Aloysius D'Souza of Mangalore. Muslims and Christians, who eat beef, have strongly opposed the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Bill since it was introduced in the legislative assembly March 19. Its passage through the Legislative Council, or the upper house, means it only needs the governor's signature to become law. "The bill was forced through without discussion. It is not the correct way to handle this situation," said Father Vincent Monteiro, spiritual director of the Catholic forum in Mangalore. More than 500 people including Christians demonstrated against the bill July 14, he said. The bill proposes to ban the slaughter of cattle and the purchase, sale and disposal of cattle for slaughter. It will also prohibit the use and possession of beef, which effectively bans beef consumption. The bill also stipulates jail terms for violators and empowers officials to search and seize premises to enforce the law.