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Cha’are Shalom ve Tsedek v. France, No. 27417/95, ECtHR (Grand Chamber), 27 June 2000

Abstract

The denial of authorization for access to French slaughterhouses opposed to an ultra-orthodox Jewish association, for the purpose of the practice of ritual slaughter, does not constitute a breach of Article 9 of ECHR, taken alone or together with article 14.

Normative references

Art. 9 ECHR
Art. 14 ECHR

Ruling


1. An ecclesiastical or religious body may, as such, exercise on behalf of its adherents the rights guaranteed by Article 9 of the Convention.

2. The right to freedom of religion guaranteed by Article 9 of the Convention cannot extend to the right to take part in person in the performance of ritual slaughter and the subsequent certification process, provided that the faithful are not in practice deprived of the possibility of obtaining and eating meat compatible with their religious prescriptions.
(The Court does not recognize an interference with the right to freedom of religion of the members of the applicant association, which had been refused the necessary approval to access the slaughterhouses where to practice ritual slaughter, previously granted to another Jewish association, since from the case file emerged that they had found, however, the possibility of obtaining supplies of meat compatible with their ultra-orthodox prescriptions)