The Bullfight Debate

 Within walking distance of my apartment is Plaza Mexico.  With a seating capacity of more than 40,000, it is the largest bullring in the world.

Bullfighting has been the center of heated debate between aficionados and animal rights activists for years.  In 2022 the city government banned bullfighting, but a year and a half later the Supreme Court of Mexico lifted the ban.  Bullfighting resumed, and their were angry protests from opponents of the sport.

Last month, the city council sought a compromise and passed a law which allows bullfights, but prohibits the killing of the bulls or the use of swords and other sharp objects.  The bulls' horns will be padded to prevent injuries to the bullfighters and horses in the ring.

The compromise, however, has been met with protests by some bullfight fans who say that the centuries old traditions of the sport have been destroyed.

The new law applies only to Mexico City, and animal rights activists hope to extend to the rest of the country.  Bullfighting is already banned in five states, but is legal in the remaining 26 states.