ChimpanzeesGreat apes with large ears, mainly black coloration, and lighter skin on the face, native to the forests of west and central Africa. Chimpanzees show advanced behaviour such as the making and using of tools. once appeared in advertsA way of promoting a company or product, including through videos, posters and social media. . They poured tea, wore clothes and even drove cars.

Today, adverts like this seem old-fashioned. But Spain now wants to make them illegalAgainst the law. too.

Spanish leaders want to make a new law that would ban the use of great apesThe Hominidae or Hominid family of primates, including orangutans, gorillas, chimpanzees, bonobos and humans. in circuses, shows, adverts as well as harmful scientific testing.

The law in Spain argues that the ban should be put in place because these animals have cognitiveRelating to the processes of thinking and reasoning. abilities that "bring them close to those of human beings".

Peter Singer is one philosopherA thinker who comes up with ideas about big questions in life. who supports a new law. He praised Spain for respecting the "dignityCalm and serious behaviour, or the state of being worthy of respect. " of these animals.

Others have worries. Many animals have some mental ability, but are still used in research, or else farmed for meat and other products. Why should great apes be given "dignity," but not horses, cows or dogs?

At the centre of this debate is the idea of personhood. Many philosophers argue that humans have uniqueDifferent to everything else. abilities - such as being aware of ourselves, understanding difficult rules and empathyThe capacity to understand and feel the suffering of others..

In recent years scientists have argued that personhood should be applied to great apes, and lawyersPeople whose job it is to give advice about the law or speak for someone in court. have argued that personhood should be applied to all animals. If Spain passes this law, the idea of personhood will only grow bigger.

Is this morally right?

Yes! After all, humans are a great ape too. They are not so different from us. Therefore, apes should have the same rights and protections as people.

No! This creates too many problems. If we treat apes like humans, one day we may have to stop using animals for food as well. Only humans should have human rights.