US state action brings nationwide ban closer
This week we celebrate news that the Hawaii Cruelty Free Cosmetics Act has been re-introduced in the State Senate.
The bill (SB 2754) was re-introduced by Hawaii State Senator Mike Gabbard who continues his good work to make Hawaii cruelty free. Senator Gabbard first began working on this issue alongside Cruelty Free International in 2018, making Hawaii one of the very first states to consider a ban on animal testing for cosmetics.
Senator Gabbard said: “Polls show that ending animal testing for cosmetics is an issue that unites people across generations and political affiliations. By ending the sale of animal tested cosmetics, Hawaii can join three other states that have already taken this step and will help lead the way towards a nationwide change to ensure that animals will not suffer for the sake of cosmetics anywhere in the US.”
Last year, Senator Gabbard was joined in his efforts by Hawaii State Representative Chris Lee who introduced a House version of the bill (HB704). The bill passed the House but ran out of time to make it through the Senate. Now, thanks to the continued leadership of Senator Gabbard and Representative Lee, Hawaii’s cruelty free journey continues.
"This bill ensures cosmetics meet the moral and ethical expectations of a generation growing up conscious of the way products impact people, animals, the environment, and the world around them," said Rep Chris Lee.
Monica Engebretson, Head of Public Affairs North America for Cruelty Free International said: “On New Year’s Day we celebrated state laws in California, Nevada and Illinois coming into force prohibiting the sale of new animal tested cosmetics. We hope that Hawaii will be the next state to take the cruelty free leap and help nudge the US closer to a nationwide ban.”
Polling results published in September by Cruelty Free International showed that an amazing 79% of Americans support federal law to bring cosmetics animal testing to an end.
If you live in Hawaii you can help by asking your State Senator to support SB 754 and HB 704, the Hawaii Cruelty Free Cosmetics Act. Find your State Senator information here.
