The Constitutional Points and Citizen Initiatives Commission of the Congress of Mexico City unanimously approved a ruling that allows the holding of bullfights, novice fights, calf fights, horse-mounted bullfighting, bull tests, and rooster fights without violence, in compliance with the Capital Citizen Participation Law. The document was sent to the Board of Directors for discussion in the plenary on March 18.
Legislator Xóchitl Bravo Espinosa (Morena) highlighted that Mexico City is setting a precedent thanks to the political will of the party forces and the efforts of the promoters of the citizen initiative, the Government of the City, and the opinion of the federal government. Congressman Víctor Hugo Romo de Vivar Guerra (Morena) noted that this ruling represents a social change to turn the Plaza de Toros México into a place of culture and entertainment while respecting animals.
Deputy Ernesto Villarreal Cantú (PT) emphasized that the ruling defends the lives of bulls, promoting a more just society. Meanwhile, legislator Diego Orlando Garrido López (PAN) stressed that the citizen initiative, supported by more than 27,000 people, aims to reject violence against animals, advocating for respect and job generation.
On the other hand, congressman Royfid Torres González (MC) identified three key elements to reach this consensus: the citizen initiative, leadership in the commission, and agreements between political forces and the Government of Mexico City. Deputy Jesús Sesma Suárez (PVEM) celebrated that for the first time a citizen proposal regarding bullfighting was ruled on in history.
Meanwhile, deputy Juan Estuardo Rubio Gualito (PVEM) valued the progress towards a culture where tradition is not associated with cruelty. He highlighted that achieving a balance between animal protection and the economic reality of families was complex but possible. Deputy Martha Avila (Morena) emphasized that the openness to citizen and democratic participation allowed for an open discussion that achieved consensus in the capital.
Finally, deputy Daniela Gicela Álvarez Camacho (PAN), president of the Constitutional Points and Citizen Initiatives Commission, highlighted the impact of the ruling as an advance in animal protection, resulting from the support of thousands of people for the citizen initiative. She thanked the joint work of the political forces in Congress to achieve consensus on such a sensitive issue.
