Meredith Hodge
Thursday April 2, 2009
3:15 PM
Forty-six year old Jose Merced of Euless Texas has made a decision to sue the city because they will not allow him to sacrifice a goat as a sacrifice. Jose Merced is a Santeria priest; which is the highest level of authority in this Caribbean-originating religion. The animal’s blood is for a spirit call an Orisha. Afterwards, the worshipers eat the meat. He believes it is violating his right to religious freedom. However, officials say he is violating slaughter houses and animal cruelty ordinances. In response to this Merced asked for a permit to kill animals. His request was denied. In September of 2004 police came to Merced’s place of residence and told him not to sacrifice any more animals and two years later, in may of 2006, Merced received only a warning after a neighbor complained about a gathering at his house. Merced and his attorney argue that Merced has been sacrificing animals for 16 years. Merced ‘s attorney is asking the court to overturn a ruling that sided with the city previously.
Merced is performing inhuman acts and rituals which he justifies using religion. However, many religions have a history of sacrificing animals, and sometimes humans as well as a test of their faith to God. I do believe that Merced is entitled to freedom to religion. However, he needs to respect life in general. It’s cruel and unnecessary. If you’re going to slaughter an animal there is a correct and incorrect way to do it.
http://www.examiner.com/x-750-Pet-Examiner~y2009m4d2-Man-fights-for-religious-right-to-kill-animals
3 comments:
I think there is a gray area in this situation. I feel everyone has their right to religious practices but slaughtering an animal in your home is looked upon as animal cruelty. But how is this any different then people hunting deer and taking them home to eat. Hunters are still killing an animal for sport and either eating them or mounting their heads.
Meagan, I agree with you. Personally I don't like hunting animals I think it's wrong, and it is just the same in my eyes. No matter where it is it's still the same thing, animals are dying and people are killing them.
Yes, this is certainly a bothersome dilemma. I beleive in religious freedom and rights, but I also believe laws are in place for a reason. This seems to be a case that needs to solved outside the box & I hope both parties will communicate & work together to find a solution.
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