PETA Asks to Hang ‘Give Peas a Chance’ Banner at State Capitol

Pro-Vegan Slogan Would Deliver the Universal Message That ‘Kindness Is the Best Religion of All’

For Immediate Release:
December 17, 2013

Contact:
Allison Lakomski 202-483-7382

This afternoon, PETA submitted a request to the Oklahoma Capitol Preservation Commission asking it to accept and display a banner that shows the Christian cross, the Muslim star and crescent, the Hindu Aum, and the Jewish Star of David and reads, “Give Peas a Chance: Go Vegan. Kindness Is the Best Religion of All.” PETA’s submission comes on the heels of requests from several religious groups to place symbols of their various faiths at the Capitol after the Oklahoma legislature made the controversial decision in 2009 to allow a Ten Commandments monument to be placed on the grounds. In its letter, PETA points out that chickens, calves, turkeys, and other animals killed for food suffer needlessly on factory farms, in transport, and in slaughterhouses and that PETA’s message advocates mercy for all living beings.

“Nothing speaks to the meaning of the holiday season more than compassion toward others, and everyone can make the world a more compassionate place simply by choosing to go vegan,” says PETA Campaign Manager Katie Arth. “After all, kindness is at the heart of every great religion.”

PETA also makes the point that although animals killed for food appear different from us, they feel joy, pain, fear, love, and grief and value their lives just as we do.”

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

PETA’s letter to the Capitol Preservation Commission follows.

December 17, 2013

Dear Mr. Thompson:

I’m writing as a follower of the Jewish faith on behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and our more than 3 million members and supporters of all religions, including thousands of members in Oklahoma. While other groups have applied to erect monuments in honor of one particular belief system or another, PETA is seeking approval for the placement of a banner at the State Capitol that promotes a system of values that people of all faiths, or even those with no religious beliefs , should be able to agree upon: compassion and understanding for all. The artwork features images of peas arranged to represent different religious symbols, including the Christian cross, the Muslim star and crescent, the Hindu Aum, and the Jewish Star of David, and reads, “Give Peas a Chance: Go Vegan. Kindness Is the Best Religion of All.”

The violence inflicted on the billions of animals who are tormented and slaughtered every year for food hinges on a simple lack of empathy for others who may appear different but share with us an interest in enjoying life without experiencing undue pain and fear. Yet in today’s industrialized meat and dairy industries, chickens and turkeys have their throats cut while they’re still conscious, fish are left to suffocate on the decks of boats or are cut open while they’re still alive, and calves are taken away from their loving mothers within hours of birth so that humans can drink the milk intended for their infants.

Human beings of all nationalities and religions often feel powerless in the face of the discrimination and violence in the world, yet every time that we sit down to eat, we can help actively resist contributing to such suffering by choosing to eat a nonviolent meal. Our banner would remind everyone that, regardless of our beliefs, we can share a message of kindness with the world by choosing a vegan diet.

Our banner will point out that the tenet “Blessed are the merciful” should surely mean showing mercy to all, not just to those you agree with or relate to. We hope you will embrace our idea. Thank you for your consideration, and happy holidays.

Sincerely,

Tracy Reiman
Executive Vice President