This has got to be a diabolical plan by some vegetarian group to reduce meat eating in that country by taking advantage of the global warming hysteria, because it won't reduce greenhouse gases, and it won't raise any money:

The government of Belgium's French-speaking region of Wallonia, which has a population of about 4 million, has approved a tax on barbequing, local media reported.

Experts said that between 50 and 100 grams of CO2, a so-called greenhouse gas, is emitted during barbequing. Beginning June 2007, residents of Wallonia will have to pay 20 euros for a grilling session.

The local authorities plan to monitor compliance with the new tax legislation from helicopters, whose thermal sensors will detect burning grills.

So let me get this straight.  In an effort to reduce the number of CO2 creating BBQ's that are in operation, the Belgian government is going to fly around in CO2 creating helicopters?  I wonder which puts out more CO2?

Maybe this is just a way to fool the people of Belgium into paying more in taxes by convincing the people that they'll be helping the environment.  But then I'd have to wonder if the BBQ tax is even enough to cover the cost of operating that helicopter.  Fuel ain't cheap people.

Words fail me.  They really do.

Update:  Doh!  But you have to admit... this sounds like something they'd do in Europe doesn't it... doesn't it?  I've seen real stories like this that were just as stupid.