Colombia’s congress passed a bill Tuesday banning bullfighting, a controversial yet popular pastime in the South American country with hundreds of events drawing thousands of spectators every year.
If approved by leftist President Gustavo Petro, who has in the past supported restrictions on bullfighting, the ban will come into effect in 2027. The lower house gave the bill the green light with a 93-2 vote.
“Obviously, bullfighters will sue,” said Colombian Senator Andrea Padilla, in a post on X, calling the decision a “historic step.” “We will be there to defend it!” she added.
The law would bring Colombia in line with other countries in the region that have banned bullfighting, including Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay and Guatemala.
Leading up to 2027, the state would be required to help find alternative employment options for the tens of thousands of people estimated to depend directly or indirectly on bullfighting for their income.
Colombia is one of only eight countries in the world where bullfights are still held – which are Ecuador, France, Mexico, Peru, Portugal, Spain and Venezuela. In Ecuador’s capital Quito, it is prohibited to kill the bull.
