New York, Hawaii, and California are already arguably three of the most popular states in the nation and now there may be even more reason to love them as each have proposed legislation that would end the sale of animal tested cosmetics within their boundaries.
The New York Cruelty Free Cosmetics Act [A 5145], Hawaii Cruelty Free Cosmetics [SB 2115]and, you guessed it, the California Cruelty Free Cosmetics Act [SB 1249] all aim to harmonize state law with regulations in over 30 countries (30 countries and US is not one of them… What the F***! – Alicia) which already prohibit the sale of new animal-tested cosmetics.
March 11^th marks the 5 year anniversary (“banniversary” anyone?!), of the European Union ban on the sale of animal tested cosmetics. While many countries including Norway, Israel, and India have followed the EU’s lead, the US has been slow to get on board, so now these individual states are stepping up thanks to compassionate legislators who have introduced these bills – Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal of New York, Senator Mike Gabbard of Hawaii, and Senator Cathleen Galgiani of California.
Here’s what they had to say about going cruelty free:
“The cosmetics industry was forced to respond to public clamor for environmentally conscious and safe cosmetics by creating paraben-free, BHA-free cosmetics and green cosmetics. Now the public is demanding cruelty-free cosmetics because many understand one can’t look or feel beautiful if animals must suffer for it. My legislation will require that all cosmetics sold in New York State are cruelty-free. Beauty might come with a price, but animal cruelty is far too high a price to pay,” said Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal (D/WF-Manahttan).
Senator Mike Gabbard (D-Kapolei/Makakilo) said, “Cosmetic companies must already use modern non-animal test methods in order sell products in more than 30 countries around the world. Meeting the same standard for Hawaii makes good sense.”
“Inaction at the federal level compels California to lead the way in ensuring a cruelty-free cosmetics market for its citizens by barring any new ingredients or cosmetics that are tested on animals,” said Senator Cathleen Galgiani (D-Stockton)
If passed, these bills would make it illegal to sell cosmetic products in the state if they contain ingredients that were tested on animals after the date that the laws go into effect. Let’s face it, nothing can be done now about animal testing that took place in the past, but we can stop new animal tests from taking place and by doing so finally consign animal testing for cosmetics to the history books.
You can help:
If you live in New York, California or Hawaii you can help by asking your state legislators to support or cosponsor these bills. In New York ask your State Assemblymember to support A 5145. In Hawaii ask your State Senator to support SB 2115 and in California ask your State Senator to support SB 1249.
No matter where you live you can ask your US Representatives to support the Humane Cosmetics Act which would end animal testing for cosmetics nationwide. Contact your US Representative today and ask that they co-sponsor this important legislation.
 
About Cruelty Free International
Established in 1898, Cruelty Free International is firmly rooted in the early social justice movement having been founded by Frances Power Cobbe, a formidable women’s rights campaigner and philanthropist. Previously known as the ‘British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection’ or ‘BUAV’, today Cruelty Free International is the leading global organization working to create a world where nobody wants or believes we need to experiment on animals.