86% Belgians Approve: Animal Sentience Officially Recognized in Constitutional Amendment

The Belgian Parliament enacted a landmark measure that acknowledges animals as conscious entities.

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Belgians overwhelmingly supported the constitutional evolution, with 86% of them voting in favour of it.

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In 2020, the law recognised that animals are sentient beings and were no longer just objects.

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The bill's opponents started a debate by drawing attention to its possible effects on agriculture.

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Animal rights advocates hail this constitutional change as a major victory.

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Notwithstanding political squabbles, the required two-thirds majority was obtained with 70 votes in favour.

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Belgium is now one of the EU countries where animal rights are protected by the constitution.

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The Minister of Brussels has stated that animal consciousness would be respected in all future legislative frameworks.

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The creative animal welfare code is still awaiting adoption after the next elections, despite delays.

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