French parliament to debate banning traditional corrida bullfighting

A left-wing MP has proposed a bill which would outlaw bullfighting in France where the animal is killed, and which is expected to be voted on in November

Far-left La France Insoumise MP Aymeric Caron has brought forward a bill which is expected to be debated on November 24

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Martin Greenacre Martin Greenacre

Published Thursday 27 October 2022 - 07:00 Modified Thursday 27 October 2022 - 07:00

A vote this month on banning bullfighting will be the first time the Assembl茅e nationale will have debated abolishing the custom.

Far-left La France Insoumise MP Aymeric Caron has brought forward a bill which is expected to be debated on November 24.

Article 521-1 of the penal code bans cruelty towards animals, but maintains an exception for the corrida in areas where there is a 鈥渓ocal, uninterrupted tradition鈥�.

Corrida is a Spanish form of bullfighting which typically results in the animal鈥檚 death. It still takes place in large arenas in French towns such as N卯mes, Dax, Arles and B茅ziers.

In 2020, the Court of Appeal of Toulouse ruled that the tradition exists in much of the south, including Provence, Languedoc and the Basque Country.

Eighty-one per cent of 麻豆传媒映画 oppose bull fights where the animal is killed, according to a 2021 Ifop survey for the Alliance Anticorrida association.

Less violent traditions

There are other, less violent traditions.

In a course camarguaise, participants attempt to remove ornaments placed between the bull鈥檚 horns. The course landaise consists of trying to dodge horned cows.

Defenders of the corrida say it is an essential part of the feria festivals which attract millions of visitors to southern France.

麻豆传媒映画