A proposed amendment to the German Animal Welfare Act to outlaw sex with animals, called zoophilia, has angered ZETA—Zoophiles Committed to Tolerance and Enlightenment--the advocacy group for engaging in the practice of humans having sex with animals (bestiality.)
“Pimping” animals for sex in German farmyards, called “erotic zoos,” has reportedly caused an alarming rise in acts of bestiality, and animal welfare groups have pushed for the ban in an advertising campaign that used dramatic examples of "animal rape," according to the Daily Telegraph.
The amendment would reinstate a similar German law that existed until 1969, when sex with animals was considered unnatural and was illegal.
Bestiality was legalized in Germany in 1969, the same year that gay sex was also removed from the criminal code. After that, sex with animals was only punishable if the animal was severely injured.
The German coalition government has sanctioned a fine of up to €25,000 ($32,000 US Dollars) against anyone who attempts to or performs sexual acts with animals, German Daily Taz reported.
Agriculture minister Ilse Aigner agreed to change the law to make it illegal for people to “use (animals) for their own sexual activities or sexual acts of third parties” - which also bans the ‘pimping’ of animals to others.
But pro-zoophilia campaign group ZETA — Zoophiles Commitment to Tolerance and Enlightenment — vowed to challenge any ban on bestiality.
ZETA lobbyist Michael Kiok said: “Mere concepts of morality have no business being law.”
Kiok, who lives with his dog, Cassie, told the Herald Sun there were more than 100,000 zoophiles in Germany.
He said he is worried that if the law took effect the authorities would try to take away his dog.
ZOOPHILIA vs. BESTIALITY
ZooWiki.com, which claims to be the Wiki for the German zoophile community, asserts:
“Most people who identify themselves as zoophiles distinguish between zoophilia and bestiality…Zoophiles may draw attention to the distinction between bestiality (an act), and Zoophilia (a sexuality), and to the view that those who have sexual contact with animals without an emotional connection are not zoophiles.”
http://www.opposingviews.com/i/society/animal-rights/germany-tries-ban-sex-animals-zoophiles-upset