Wednesday, may 15, the city Council Committee on consumer Affairs will consider a bill banning fur in new York. If it is approved, the stores of the Big Apple will have to stop selling fur products by 2021. Violators face a fine of up to $1500.
In that time, the proposal found many supporters among the organizations for the protection of animals, activists and celebrities, some human rights activists oppose the bill and argue that it discriminare the African-American community in new York and does not take into account the important role of fur in its culture and lifestyle (particularly for African-American churches).
This Wednesday, may 9, about 75 members of the clergy and human rights activists came to city hall in connection with the protest against the bill. According to them, the furs have been for the African-American community in the city is not just clothing, but a way to demonstrate their economic success — and every purchased item has a deep symbolic connotation.
«People feel valid when I put that someone that worked hard and sacrificed many things, — says Reverend Phil Craig. — <…> Sometimes it seemed to me that my mother loved my fur coat even a little more me.»
One of the protesters, Jackie Rowe-Adams said that he bought her a fur coat in memory of her late son, Tyrone. He also saved the mother at the gift — but died before he had time to collect the necessary sum. Besides, said Rowe-Adams, the ban is aimed solely at residents of the Big Apple and does not affect its suburbs. According to women, it is «clear discrimination».
«Why are we told not to buy clothes made of fur, while people in other areas can safely buy it?» said Rowe-Adams.
«I love animals and think killing them just for the sake of putting on fur coats is cruel. <…> Michael Kors uses fur for their products — as Donatella Versace or Diane von Furstenberg. [Fashion] industry has left behind the fur because it’s cruel and inhumane.»
Speaker Cory Johnson
The speaker of the city Council Corey Johnson, the sponsors of the bill have already commented on the protests, noting that among the African-American community many supporters of the bill — including the leading Wendy Williams and soccer star Colin Kapernick.
«In every community there are those who are against the bill, and those who follow him, — said Johnson. — <…> No one plans to forbid you to wear coats, no one will have them you to take. We only want the people found such clothing more humane and ethical alternative.»
If the bill is approved, new York will become the third largest American city to ban the sale of fur products, after San Francisco, where the law comes into force this year, and Los Angeles, where it will take effect in 2021-m.
