Switzerland’s highest court has given the go-ahead for a vote in Basel City on whether to enshrine the basic rights of primates in the cantonal constitution.
This content was published on
2 minutes
swissinfo.ch/urs
Federal Court judges rejected an appeal by several private individuals who had argued that such a ballot was illegal. The individuals had claimed the cantonal initiative violated national animal rights legislation and campaigners had failed to inform citizens about the limited scope of their proposal.
The Lausanne-based court ruled that cantons are allowed to introduce regulations that are stricter than national law, according to statementExternal link published on Wednesday.
The judges pointed out that the constitutional amendment would only benefit primates held by state institutions but not the pharmaceutical companies or zoos.
The people’s initiative, launched by the Sentience PoliticsExternal link group in 2016, demands an amendment to the constitution for “a right to life for non-human primates and a right to physical and mental integrity”. Campaigners collected the necessary number of signatures for a public ballot.
A Basel court had dismissed a first complaint against the legality of the initiative in 2019.
Two years ago, Sentience also launched a nationwide initiative banning large-scale livestock production in Switzerland. A date for a vote on the issue is still to be set under the rules of the country’s direct democracy system.
The government has come out against the proposal, but it is preparing a constitutional reform in a bid to give animal welfare a boost.
Protein in abdominal fat could help shape obesity treatment
This content was published on
The study analysed fat cells from different locations in the body, and found that those in the abdomen have unique properties.
North African asylum claims fall after rapid Swiss processing
This content was published on
The accelerated procedure, now out of its test phase, has resulted in a significant drop in applications from North African countries.
This content was published on
The artist's song "The Code" focuses on their journey as a nonbinary individual. It is one of the favourites to win this year's contest.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
This content was published on
Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
This content was published on
St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Animal cruelty cases rise in Switzerland
This content was published on
The number of criminal proceedings related to the mistreatment of animals has increased, according to a Swiss animal rights group.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.