Despite a rising tide of opposition among bullfighting advocates who viewed this as a direct assault on a cherished cultural tradition, City lawmakers overwhelmingly passed the bill with a 61-1 vote. Supported by President Claudia Sheinbaum, the new law prohibits any killing or injury to bulls, instead promoting what is termed "bullfighting without violence." This approach establishes guidelines for how long bulls can remain in the ring and restricts bullfighters to using only capes.
Xochitl Bravo Espinosa, a prominent legislator who played a pivotal role in the initiative, expressed her strong commitment to animal welfare, stating, “My heart always beats for animal welfare.” However, she also emphasized the need for a compromise to enable those involved in the bullfighting industry to sustain their livelihoods, pointing out that many surrounding businesses, such as those selling food and equipment, depend on the bullfighting arena, known as La Plaza México.
In response to the legislation, proponents of bullfighting staged protests outside the legislative building, asserting that this decision marks only the beginning of their battle to preserve the tradition. Four separate bullfighting organizations issued a joint statement decrying the law, hinting at potential legal challenges and heightened activism against the ruling.
Xochitl Bravo Espinosa, a prominent legislator who played a pivotal role in the initiative, expressed her strong commitment to animal welfare, stating, “My heart always beats for animal welfare.” However, she also emphasized the need for a compromise to enable those involved in the bullfighting industry to sustain their livelihoods, pointing out that many surrounding businesses, such as those selling food and equipment, depend on the bullfighting arena, known as La Plaza México.
In response to the legislation, proponents of bullfighting staged protests outside the legislative building, asserting that this decision marks only the beginning of their battle to preserve the tradition. Four separate bullfighting organizations issued a joint statement decrying the law, hinting at potential legal challenges and heightened activism against the ruling.
