The Legislative Popular Initiative (ILP) to repeal the bullfighting cultural law in Spain was submitted on January 4, 2024 to repeal Law 18/2013 on the cultural heritage of bullfighting and was approved by the Spanish Congress at the beginning of February. Spanish citizens (only citizens with a valid DNI) have nine months to collect a total of 500,000 signatures in order to get the initiative passed in the Chamber of Deputies.
A strong popular initiative and its supporters
The Popular Initiative Commission is an association of people with a proven track record in animal welfare. The group of activists and lawyers is committed to supporting the largest and most ambitious social campaign for the abolition of bullfighting as a Spanish cultural heritage.
Bullfighting — tradition and controversy
Bullfighting is an age-old tradition that has been practiced in Spain for centuries and has long been the subject of heated debate. While some see it as cultural heritage and an art form, others see it as cruel and ignored cruelty to animals that does not even begin to comply with the new animal welfare law in Spain. The current legislation, which protects bullfighting as a cultural heritage, was passed in 2013 and has caused much controversy since then.
Those in favor of repealing the bullfighting cultural law argue that bullfighting not only constitutes cruelty to animals, but also conveys a false image of Spain’s cultural identity. It is time for cultural values to be based on respect and compassion and for barbaric traditions to be abolished. The promoter commission behind the current ILP therefore has a clear mission: to abolish bullfighting as an official cultural heritage and thus pave the way for a more progressive and animal-friendly Spain.
Broad support for repealing the bullfighting cultural law in Spain
Support for this initiative comes from various walks of life. Animal and environmental protection organizations play a central role in the campaign, as they highlight the ethical and ecological arguments against bullfighting. In addition, more and more cultural workers and artists are joining the movement to show that true art and culture can do without violence.
International support is also growing steadily. Prominent personalities and organizations from abroad have expressed their solidarity with the Spanish anti-bullfighting movement. This shows that the issue of bullfighting is not just a national, but a global ethical debate.
The nine-month deadline to collect the 500,000 signatures is a major challenge, but the promoters are confident. With a well-organized campaign using social media and traditional channels, they hope to mobilize the necessary support. Every signature counts, and citizen participation is crucial to the success of this historic initiative.
Call for support
We naturally support this popular initiative, which would remove bullfighting from the Ministry of Culture in Spain, and ask all Spanish citizens for their support. You are welcome to contact the organizer.
If you would like to actively participate and collect signatures, you can register on the official page here.
In Tenerife, citizens with a valid DNI can sign a petition to abolish bullfighting in Spain at the following locations:
- Sweet Paradise
Calle Callao de Lima 14, 38003 Santa Cruz de Tenerife - Albergue Comarcal Valle Colino
Finca España, Calle Cartagena S/N, 38205 La Laguna – Santa Cruz de Tenerife - El Gato Negro
Avenida González Rivas 53, 38611 San Isidro – Santa Cruz de Tenerife - El Parque – Tienda para mascotas
Calle Embajador Alberto De Armas, 49, Local 5, 38206 La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife
