VGT Tierrechtskino: UNLOCKING THE CAGE
The VGT (Association Against Animal Factories) and EFFECTIVE ALTRUISM AUSTRIA invite you to
an English film screening with special guest
Unlocking the Cage follows animal rights lawyer Steven Wise in his unprecedented challenge to break down the legal wall that separates animals from humans. After 30 years of struggling with ineffective animal welfare laws, Steve and his legal team, the Nonhuman Rights Project (NhRP), are making history by filing the first lawsuits that seek to transform an animal from a "thing" with no rights to a "person" with legal protections. Supported by affidavits from primatologists around the world, Steve maintains that, based on scientific evidence, cognitively complex animals such as chimpanzees, whales, dolphins and elephants have the capacity for limited personhood rights (such as bodily liberty) that would protect them from physical abuse. Using writs of habeas corpus (historically used to free humans from unlawful imprisonment), Wise argues on behalf of four captive chimpanzees in New York State. Unlocking the Cage captures a monumental shift in our culture, as the public and judicial system show increasing receptiveness to Steve's impassioned arguments. It is an intimate look at a lawsuit that could forever transform our legal system, and one man's lifelong quest to protect "nonhuman" animals.
Unlocking the Cage follows animal rights lawyer Steven Wise in his unprecedented challenge to break down the legal wall that separates animals from humans. After 30 years of struggling with ineffective animal welfare laws, Steve and his legal team, the Nonhuman Rights Project (NhRP), are making history by filing the first lawsuits that seek to transform an animal from a "thing" with no rights to a "person" with legal protections. Supported by affidavits from primatologists around the world, Steve maintains that, based on scientific evidence, cognitively complex animals such as chimpanzees, whales, dolphins and elephants have the capacity for limited personhood rights (such as bodily liberty) that would protect them from physical abuse. Using writs of habeas corpus (historically used to free humans from unlawful imprisonment), Wise argues on behalf of four captive chimpanzees in New York State. Unlocking the Cage captures a monumental shift in our culture, as the public and judicial system show increasing receptiveness to Steve's impassioned arguments. It is an intimate look at a lawsuit that could forever transform our legal system, and one man's lifelong quest to protect "nonhuman" animals.
A number of countries including Austria have achieved ground breaking
court rulings challenging the notion that nonhuman animals cannot be persons. This moving film focuses on progess in the USA
pioneered by animal rights lawyer Steven Wise. Join VGT and EA Austria for the screening and discussion in Schikaneder Cinema
with special virtual live guest Elizabeth Stein. Elizabeth is one of the animal rights lawyers featured in the film and will
answer audience questions. Tickets are free, but be sure to reserve a seat.
18:00: Doors open. Get-Together and vegan buffet
19:00: Film start
20:30: Q&A/Discussion
Registration Seats are limited. To book your free tickets use the online registration of VGT.
The cinema has full wheelchair accessibility.
18:00: Doors open. Get-Together and vegan buffet
19:00: Film start
20:30: Q&A/Discussion
Registration Seats are limited. To book your free tickets use the online registration of VGT.
The cinema has full wheelchair accessibility.
