California Considers Fur Ban - Should More States Do the Same?

What’s the story?

• California is poised to become the first state in the nation to ban mink, rabbit, and other fur accessories.
• Earlier this year, Los Angeles became the largest city in America to outlaw fur sales.

What would the bill do?

• Under AB 44, the sale and manufacture of new fur products in the Golden State would end, but vintage pelts would remain legal, and would hides from cows, goats, sheep and lambs.
• Mink eyelash extensions would also remain legal (these eyelash extensions are harvested by “gently brushing” mink in captivity).
• The state bill passed the Assembly on a bipartisan vote. It's currently being considered by the Senate appropriations committee.

What are people saying?

Supporters

“If you really want to get [new] fur that bad, go to Vegas,” Marc Ching, founder and president of Animal Hope in Legislation, told the Los Angeles Times. “We’re residents and we know a lot of people here who are against fur.”

• Assemblywoman Laura Friedman (D-Glendale), author of the bill:

 “Today there are a variety of humane alternatives, both in terms of faux fur that is virtually indistinguishable from real fur, and alternative textiles that are just as warm or fashionable. There is no need for fur in the 21st century and no place for it in a sustainable future.”

Critics

• “There’s going to be a black market, that I can tell you,” Beverly Hills furrier David Appel told the Times. “People that want fur, just like people who want marijuana get marijuana.”
• Critics also claim that the law singles out certain ethnic and religious groups while protecting others. Religious articles worn by Native Americans and Ashkenazi Jews, for example, are exempted from the law. Yet fox stoles that are popular at Persian synagogues and black churches are not protected.
• “What makes their religion more important?” said Irene Gandy, who heads the Coalition for Blacks for Furs in New York. “We go to church, we’re still praying. We have as much right to wear our furs for our faith.”
• Donna Ahdoot agreed. “My parents being from Iran, there is this infatuation with royalty and gold and fur and jewels that still continues to this day in the diaspora,” she said, referring of Los Angeles.

“I enjoy dressing up and feeling regal. I love that part of my heritage.”

What do you think?

Do you support a fur ban? Or should the industry just be regulated to be “less cruel”? Should certain furs be allowed? Contact your representatives, share your opinions below, and share with friends to spread awareness.

—Veronica You

(Photo Credit: iStock / zoranm)