BFF-47 Sri Lanka to ban animal sacrifices at Hindu temples

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ZCZC

BFF-47

SRILANKA-RITUAL-ANIMAL

Sri Lanka to ban animal sacrifices at Hindu temples

COLOMBO, Sept 12, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Animal sacrifices at Hindu temples
could be banned in Sri Lanka under new plans announced Wednesday, after
growing protests over the rituals from the country’s Buddhist majority as
well as moderate Hindus.

The cabinet approved a proposal put forward by the Hindu Religious Affairs
minister to outlaw the ancient practice that is still observed at several
temples across the country.

“The legal draughtsman was asked to prepare a bill to ban animal and bird
sacrifices at Hindu temples,” the government said in a statement.

During religious festivals, some devout Hindus sacrifice goats, chickens
and buffalos, expecting good fortune in return.

But the practice has offended animal rights activists, as well as many
other Sri Lankans.

Although there is currently no clear law prohibiting animal sacrifices at
places of worship, Sri Lankan courts from time to time have issued temporary
bans on such practices.

Hindus constitute about 12 percent of Sri Lanka’s 21 million population,
which is mainly Buddhist.

Muslims, the third largest religious group in the country, also conduct
ritualistic animal sacrifices — although it appears the law would apply only
to Hindus.

The country has experienced waves of religious tension in recent years,
with anti-Muslim riots in March leaving three people dead and hundreds of
mosques, homes and businesses reduced to ashes.

BSS/AFP/MRI/1540 HRS