Bahrain: A blanket ban on pork has again been put forward by Bahrain’s MPs, less than a year after a similar plan was shot down by the Shura Council.
Parliament yesterday voted on a fresh proposal to ban pork in the country and criminalise its sale, with the majority of MPs in favour.
The bill came recommended by parliament’s financial and economic affairs committee and was proposed by foreign affairs, defence and national security committee chairman Abdulla Bin Howail.
“It is against our religion to deal with pork or related products and Bahrain is a Muslim country that adheres to Sharia principles and rulings,” said Mr Bin Howail.
“When pork was banned in the first days of Islam, Muslims were not aware of the reasons but recent scientific revelations have shown it contributes to major illnesses and is infested with worms.
“This ban should not just be addressed from an Islamic viewpoint when looked into by the government, but from fears for public health.”
In December last year the Shura Council shelved an amendment to the country’s Penal Code that would have criminalised pork, on the grounds that it would breach the rights of non-Muslims in Bahrain and go against the principle of religious tolerance.
Under the shelved proposal, offenders could have faced up to two months in jail and a fine of up to BD300.
Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Ministry legal adviser Dr Saeed Abdulmotalib said at the time that the government objected to such a move.
Bahrain’s parliament has repeatedly tried to pass legislation banning pork products in the country over the past eight years, with discussions on the matter postponed numerous times and at least two bills proposed.
This newest proposal has now been referred to the Cabinet, which has six months to make a decision on it.
Other proposals approved by parliament yesterday included one obliging the Industry, Commerce and Tourism Ministry to keep better records of inactive Commercial Registrations and identify expatriates who are illegally residing in Bahrain, a move to build a new race track where Bahrainis could pay BD3 each to take their cars instead of racing on the streets, a proposal to introduce agricultural studies at Bahrain University, the building of a jetty for professional and amateur fishermen in Arad, a female-only wedding hall in the Southern Governorate, a female-only club in Galali and a proposal to create a special fund to pay for Bahrainis’ medical treatment abroad separate from the Health Ministry’s coffers.
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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