Should animal slaughter laws excuse peoples religious views?

Currently most countries insist that animals are stunned and not conscious before they are slaughtered except when this conflicts with religious views, mainly Judaism and Islam, where the religion insists on a concious animal being bled to death. The Netherlands are currently debating a bill that will ban this practice, many religious people worry that this is the thin edge of the wedge on their right to live their lives. Many people think that animals rights supersede peoples religious beliefs. What do you think?

Further Reading http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-14779271