More Freedom Lost; This Time The Choice for Fur

San Francisco expected to ban fur sales, stirring backlash: 'What’s next? They’re going to say that you can’t have beef?'

http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-fur-sales-sf-20180320-story.html

San Francisco could become the largest U.S. city to ban the sale of fur, a move that would hearten animal lovers but frustrate niche business owners who say they are fed up with city officials dictating what retailers can or can't sell.

 

If the Board of Supervisors approves the ban Tuesday, San Francisco would join two other California cities — West Hollywood and Berkeley — in saying no to a glamour symbol that animal advocates say is built on cruelty and does not reflect the city's values.

 

San Francisco has a strong social conscience, often at a cost to businesses. Its board has banned the sale of menthol cigarettes and other flavored tobacco, which voters will consider in June, and prohibited performances by exotic animals. In 2016, San Francisco approved what was then a groundbreaking paid parental leave law, requiring private employers to offer six weeks of fully paid leave.

 

If passed, the fur ban would go into effect Jan. 1 and apply to coats and anything else featuring real fur, including keychains and gloves.