Asian Rights Group Fights Shark Fin Ban

[The Straight Story]

Asian Rights Group Fights Shark Fin Ban


SAN FRANCISCO (CN) - California's criminalization of possessing and selling shark fins is unconstitutional, the Asian American Rights Committee of California claims in Federal Court.

"Shark fin soup is an Asian cultural delicacy with origins in the Ming Dynasty. It is a ceremonial centerpiece of traditional Chinese banquets, as well as celebrations of weddings and birthdays of one's elders," the committee says in its federal complaint.

The group claims that Assembly Bills 376 and 853, co-authored by Paul Fong, who is of Chinese descent, violate the Constitution's interstate commerce clause and constitute an unlawful taking of private property.

As of July 1, 2013, owning or selling shark fins in California will be punishable by up to 6 months in prison and a $1,000 fine.

http://www.courthousenews.com/2012/02/02/43568.htm

[Javaman]

1. So when all the sharks are gone due to this stupid cruel practice...

what will these morons do then?

[stuntcat]

2. k

Horribly stupid.

[joeybee12]

3. There's no constitutional right to animal abuse...

Private property? Sharks are their private property????

[Johnny Rico]

4. I tried shark fin soup a few years ago.

A bit overrated, but not bad.

[Lizzie Poppet]

5. "cultural delicacy" WTF?

When one's "cultural heritage" clearly runs against both ecological necessity and common sense, then that "cultural heritage" can piss off. It's part of my "cultural heritage" (Western European) to conquer and oppress native populations. Is that somehow okay just because of that connection to my cultural history? Obviously not.

Want shark fin soup? Go collect the ingredients yourself. With a 6" knife and a pair of swim fins...

[redqueen]

6. They need to get over it.

Cruelty for the sake of your culture is not gonna fly anymore.

[Quantess]

7. Somehow the argument is not convincing.

I know of some cultures/nationalities who like to eat horse meat, but they have a hard time getting their grubby hands on any horse meat in the USA.

[Marrah_G]

9. I would be more okay with horsemeat...

For the shark fins they cut the fins off live sharks and throw the still living shark right back into the ocean to drown. It's such an incredible waste. I eat shark mako shark occasionally when the local fish market has it.

[Marrah_G]

8. Unbelievable

It's a sick, destructive, cruel practice that is wiping out shark populations.

[Chan790]

10. They haven't a leg to stand on.

This isn't going to get any further than the challenges to US federal bans on ivory and whale meat.

[Snake Alchemist]

11. Cultures evolve. Get over it. nt