Pros:
1. May promote inclusivity and respect for different religious beliefs. 2. Can discourage religious divisive practices and promote secularism. 3. May prevent the misuse of religious sentiments for marketing purposes. 4. Can ensure transparency and standardization of food products.
5. May support the rights of consumers to make informed choices about the products they purchase.
6. Can prevent any potential exploitation or misleading claims related to Halal certification.
7. May contribute to a more harmonious social atmosphere by avoiding unnecessary controversies.
Cons:
1. May infringe upon the rights of religious minorities who follow specific dietary requirements. 2. Might be perceived as discriminatory towards a particular religious group.
3. Could lead to the exclusion of Halal-certified products from the market, limiting choices for consumers. 4. May discourage businesses and investors who cater to specific dietary needs.
5. Can be seen as an unnecessary interference in personal dietary preferences and religious practices. 6. May create tensions and fuel religious polarization within society.
7. Could have negative economic implications for halal certification bodies and businesses involved in the production and distribution of Halal products.
In a recent statement, an official spokesperson accused the tag of promoting “propaganda” and “manipulating religious sentiment”.