The state is now closer to prohibiting the sale of cosmetics which include ingredients that have been newly tested on animals. If passed, the new law would take effect from 2020

The act would prohibit the sale of cosmetics containing newly tested ingredients (Photo: Adobe. Do not use without permission)

The state of Virginia is closer to being cruelty-free as the Senate has passed the Virginia Cruelty Free Cosmetics Act. It will now be considered by the House.

The legislation - Bill SB 1642 - aims to prohibit the sale of new animal tested cosmetics in the state. It wants to ensure that cosmetics sold in Virginia do not include ingredients that have been newly tested on animals. If passed the new law would come into effect on January 1st 2020.

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'Cruel and unnecessary'

"Animal testing for cosmetics is cruel and unnecessary and is deeply unpopular with the public," said Senator Jennifer Boysko, the chief patron of the bill.

"My bill aims to ensure that animals are not harmed for cosmetics sold in Virginia thus meeting consumer demand, saving animals, and helping the US match global progress on this issue."

"We are so pleased Virginia may now take another leading step by ending the sale of newly animal-tested cosmetics in the state," added Cruelty Free International North American Campaign Manager, Monica Engebretson. said. "We thank Senator Boysko for her continued leadership on this issue."

If passed, the law would mirror anti-animal testing measures already taken up in the EU, India, Israel, Norway, and California.