MPs on Tuesday voted by 116 to 30 to ban the kosher and halal slaughter of animals despite an emotional debate both in parliament and in society in general.

However, Jewish and Islamic groups which can prove that animals do not suffer more during ritual killing than while being killed in an ordinary slaughterhouse will be able to apply for a permit to continue their traditional practices.
The draft legislation, drawn up by the pro-animal PvdD, still has to be approved by the upper house of parliament before it can become law.
Several MPs voted against the bill on religious grounds, saying that freedom of religion should be more important. They also argue that ritual slaughter does not lead to more suffering for the animals.