Alderman quits over foie gras plans

CHICAGO, May 15 (UPI) -- A Chicago alderman resigned from the City Council's Health Committee after hearing colleagues planned to repeal the city's foie gras ban.

Smith resigned in objection to plans to repeal the ban on the delicacy without consulting the Health Committee, a move that goes against traditional etiquette, the Chicago Sun-Times reported Tuesday.

"My integrity is at stake," Smith said. "My manhood is at stake. My character is at stake. It's just not right for them to do this. I'm not going to let anyone walk on my integrity and my manhood," he said.

"This has never been done before ... If you don't respect me as chairman, then take the committee."

Mayor Richard Daley accepted the resignation.

"They're going to (overturn the ban) maybe next meeting or the following meeting. ... So, I accept that (resignation). ... I think it's the silliest law that ever passed. ... Of all the issues we have -- foie gras?"

Foie gras is made by force-feeding geese and ducks to increase the size of their livers. Animal rights activists object to the practice, calling it cruel.