BOGOTÁ, Colombia (AP) — Colombia’s congress voted Tuesday to ban bullfighting in the South American country, dealing a serious blow to a centuries-old tradition that inspired famous songs and romances but has become increasingly controversial in countries where it is still practiced. .
The bill approved by Colombia’s Congress calls for a three-year ban on bullfighting, making the tradition illegal until early 2028. The new law now needs to be signed by President Gustavo Petro, who has long opposed these bullfights. events.
Bullfighting originated in the Iberian Peninsula and is still legal in Spain, France, Portugal, Peru, Ecuador and Mexico, among other countries.
It was once a popular event, broadcast live on several television networks. But the tradition has come under increasing scrutiny as opinions on animal rights change, and many consider it unacceptable to see an animal suffer for fun.
In bullfighting, the matador faces bulls bred to be aggressive. The matador taunts the red-caped bull and kills the animal with the swing of a sword after it tires of attacking the matador in a circular arena.
In Colombia, where bullfighting has been held since colonial times, fewer than two dozen municipalities continue to hold these events, although the annual bullfights in the city of Manizales still attract tens of thousands of spectators.
