".... Which is why it should be the opinion of this legislative body that house elves ought to be henceforth and forevermore deemed free." The young woman paused for effect impressively. "After all, ladies and gentlemen, more than a century ago, the great Muggle abolitionist Wilbur Ross assisted Great Britain in finally declaring that human persons are not property. For goodness's sake, our world just fought and won a war centered on the question of whether or not Muggle persons should be subjugated in bondage! In both instances, we have declared emphatically NAY! In the case of the former, I should note that Britain did arrive at her modern sensibilities on the position of slavery many years before our American cousins were so enlightened. Does it not stand to reason, therefore, that other creatures should be viewed as having equal rights?"