Animal Rights, Human Wrongs

25 February 2006   11:03 AM

It seems that there's a bit of a kerfuffle about Oxford University's new Biomedical research lab. Animal rights group 'Speak' are holding a protest march to demonstrate against the lab, but there's a student group 'Pro-Test' which has been formed in favour of the lab. Seems fair enough, you'd think. Two groups holding opposing views each prepared to publicly expound those views.

But unfortunately, it doesn't end there. according to the BBC, a member of the Animal Liberation Front has said that some activists might see student groups supporting the lab as "legitimate targets" — although he did say it was unlikely.

Less than a week has gone by since most of the European media have been saying that we should be careful not to offend people but we should also have the right to free speech without threats of violence. I'm not saying that this is directly a threat, but I think it's a sad state of affairs if it has come to a position where someone in this country cannot protest or demonstrate about something they feel strongly about without being described as a "legitimate target".

Unfortunately, I feel this is one situation that cannot be resolved by negotiation. As I understand the opposing camps, one thinks medical research on animals is necessary; the other thinks it's unneccessary and cruel. You're unlikely to find common ground here.

I don't know exactly what research the facility is set to undertake, the importance of it, or the way in which the animals will be treated, so I am not prepared to offer a personal opinion on whether the facility itself is a good thing or a bad thing. What I am prepared to say is that violence is not, and should never be the answer. Both camps should seek to win the argument by public debate and by influencing public opinion, not by bullying tactics, threats and indimidation (whether direct threats of violence or warnings about economic importance and job losses).