The Colombian Congress adopted a bill banning bullfighting after a heated debate, Anadolu Agency reports on May 29.
“We did it. Today, after more than seven years of fighting to ban bullfighting, we can announce to thousands of citizens who love life that Colombia is getting rid of animal torture disguised as culture.”said Juan Carlos Lozada, a legislator who supported the bill.
The Lower House approved the bill by 93 votes to 2. The resolution provides for the possibility of using bulls and converting bullrings into recreational, sports and cultural centers.
The passage of the bill in Congress has been long and controversial because tens of thousands of people across the country make a living from entertainment. The government will need to help find employment options for people whose income depends directly or indirectly on bullfighting. The end of bullfighting also means the end of a deep-rooted tradition in several regions of the country where celebrations revolve around the performance.
President Gustavo Petro celebrated the news.
“Congratulations to those who finally made death not a spectacle. Those who are amused by the death of animals will eventually be amused by the death of men; Just as he who burns books will end up burning people.”“Gustavo Petro commented on the law.
The ban will take effect in 2027.
Colombia is one of eight countries in the world that still host bullfights, including Ecuador, France, Mexico, Peru, Portugal, Spain and Venezuela. Other countries in the region such as Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay and Guatemala have banned the practice.
Source: Rossa Primavera
I am Michael Melvin, an experienced news writer with a passion for uncovering stories and bringing them to the public. I have been working in the news industry for over five years now, and my work has been published on multiple websites. As an author at 24 News Reporters, I cover world section of current events stories that are both informative and captivating to read.