When Human Rights Extend to Nonhumans

July 15, 2008

The Environment Committee of the Spanish Parliament recently voted to give human rights to some non-human animals. Aligning themselves with the Great Ape Project, co-directed by Peter Singer and Paola Cavalieri, Spain is focusing on the similarities of apes to humans and is likely to become the first major world government to extend certain human rights beyond the human species. An interesting article in the NY Times points out the sliding scale on which animal cruelty laws exist. They are based upon the degree to which we as humans can identify with a certain animal.

Many who oppose the Spanish legislation believe this undermines the dignity belonging only to humans. Some argue that by diminishing human dignity Spain is paving the way for more serious ethical issues, such as euthanasia.