There are several important dates in European history. Tuesday, May 29th, 1453, when the Ottoman empire completed its takeover of Constantinople (now Istanbul) is one. Another one is June 28, 1914, the day that Archude Franz Ferdinand was assassinated which ushered in the start of World War I. To this and many others may soon be added the day that apes were given human rights. One small step for man, one giant leap for apekind.

     The Spanish Parliament is being asked to ratify a bill that gives some human rights to apes, according to reports in several European media sources, including the BBC. Specifically Spanish legislators asked to grant apes "the right to life, freedom and protection from torture."

There is some irony here. As prisoners in Guantanamo Bay sit and wallow with reduced human rights, our animal brethren and sistren in Europe are seeing their rights extended. There is an old saying, what life gives with one hand it takes with the other. Well, justice giveth to apes and taketh away from humans.

     BBC further reports that one Paula Stibbe, British citizen and caretaker of a chimpanzee named "Hiasl" seeks legal custody. The chimp came to Europe after being abducted from its family 25 years ago in West Africa. Now the animal shelter that housed him is being shuttered and Ms. Stibbe seeks to adopt him on the premise that Hiasl deserves the same "protection as a child." Should Hiasl be insulted that he is being treated as a "child" or should he rejoice that he is being adopted by humans?

     No doubt comedians are having a field day with this, but it's a serious matter that deserves consideration. Spain is the same nation that legalized gay marriage, so they seem to be on the cutting edge or on to damnation (depending on your beliefs) of new trends.