'Time for ducks but not for humans' (From York Press)

'Time for ducks but not for humans'

10:06am Saturday 29th September 2007 in News

COUNCIL bosses have come under fire for not allowing a debate on the human rights crisis in Burma, but allowing one on foie gras.

Green Party councillor Andy D'Agorne said he was "disappointed and angry" that his emergency motion on the subject would not be opened to debate at next week's full meeting of City of York Council. He had asked council officers to take exceptional action to allow a motion condemning the lack of democracy in Burma, and the suppression of protests.

But the deadline for motions had already passed, and officers said they could not accommodate the proposal made by Coun D'Agorne.

Coun D'Agorne said: "It seems we have time to debate needless cruelty to French ducks, but not the rights of humans in Burma.

"The revised constitution means we are unable to respond to current events because the deadline for motions and questions is set so far in advance of the meeting.

"The right to peaceful protest whether in Britain or Burma is an essential part of democracy and something that representatives of the citizens of York should be concerned with.

"I will be urging people to sign the Burma Campaign online petition and write to their MP to keep the pressure on the Burmese junta."