Denmark Muslims and Jews slam Halal slaughter ban

Denmark passed a new law forbidding animal slaughter of live or non-anesthetized animals,frustrating Muslims and Jews in Denmark because of their contrary religious practices.

Muslims and Jews see the new law as the "ban on halal food," and therefore, interference into the freedom of religion. "Danish Halal" a body representing 53 Muslim organizations including the Islamic Community in Denmark started a petition against the law, and expects to garner some 20,000 signatures against the introduction of the law.

The Jewish Society in Denmark also reacted to the new regulation, which they say is politically motivated and a decision based on anti-minority sentiments.

Food, Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Dan Jorgensen defended the new law saying "animal rights precedes religious beliefs." 

It is estimated Denmark has about 200 000 Muslims.