The fact that they are trying to justify it with her not "being human" is troubling in more ways than might first appear. Letīs see if i can make my thoughts understood here.
She is sentient, that much is obvious. But, if she is classified as not human, and that makes it within the "law" to kill her without reprisal. Then what is to stop "lawfull" murders on other sentients that would not classify as human? Other biologicals, AIīs and extra terrestials/dimensionals would be under direct threat. Or how about enslavement? Those rules only apply to humans, not "others".
And how soon would it be untill someone made up a hominid embryo with just enough non-homo sapien sapien DNA in to not classify as human and then start selling them of as cheap labor that has no rights.
And once that slope has been propperly oiled... What kind of DNA code does truly classify as human? Does yours? Does mine? Or would it just be the fat cats with money to burn on getting their will through?
Big Swede raises great points; points that have and are being being raised all around in both fiction and real world.
Its those last two paragraphs that sound an awful like like Sandy's Anarcho-capitalist society.
"Do as thou wilt, without harm or aggression to others, shall be the whole of the law"
How does an AnCap society enforce basic morals and ethics on people or companies (or companies who are also people) who have enough money to do as they please?
Before everyone corrects me by saying "AnCaps dont enforce anything on anyone", I know that.
But, in an AnCap society, slavery is not only legal, but practiced; both personal and economic.
"He who has the gold, makes the rules."
In a sci-fi setting where the technology for such things exists, how do AnCappers prevent clone slaves? Are they human, and thus worth protecting, or are they merely creations who mimic life, like Tickle Me Elmo.
No goes to jail for beating up a Tickle Me Elmo; would the same apply to a cloned slave?
What if clones are raised to adult-hood merely so rich people can have rejection-free replacement organs?
This is clearly allowed and probably acceptable in an AnCap society. Theres no authority to say otherwise.
"He who has the gold, makes the rules."