Green Party Creates First Animal-Rights Committee

For the first time in history, the Green Party of the United States (GPUS) is establishing an animal-rights committee to help bring animal issues to the national political stage. In a vote of 67–14, the GPUS National Committee passed a proposition authorizing the historic animal welfare agency that will serve to inform and advise Green Party candidates and officeholders on animal issues; develop solutions and official position statements on animal issues; propose endorsement of legislation of national and state significance that support animal rights; create media outreach efforts to widen reach of animal-rights messages; and provide education on animal issues to the general public. “Animals in the United States have inadequate protection by local, state, and federal law,” the proposition detailed. “Because of the breadth of issues and challenges facing the Green Party, animal-rights issues are not always sufficiently represented … A GPUS Animal Rights Committee can help to improve the well-being of animals and grow the GPUS.” While the independent political party does not make any formal mention of veganism in its doctrine—unlike that of the Humane Party—its platform has a focus on “peace and non-violence, ecological wisdom, grassroots democracy, and social justice.” Its 2016 presidential candidate Jill Stein has spoken out in favor of a “Green New Deal” that would include creating a “local, sustainable, organic” food system that promotes “wonderful and nourishing plant-based foods.”