Catalonia vows to defy Spain court ruling overturning bullfight ban

Alasdair Sandford

 

 

MADRID: -- Separatist politicians in Catalonia are vowing to defy a ruling by Spain’s Constitutional Court, which on Thursday overturned a six-year ban on bullfighting imposed in the northeastern region.

 

In a ruling that has been described as being ‘like a red rag to a bull’ in terms of inflaming regional tensions, the court in Madrid called bullfighting a cultural asset protected under national law.

 

The ritual has been popular in Spain for generations but its appeal has waned, particularly among younger people, and protests against bullfighting have been increasing.

 

The Constitutional Court ruled the ban was ‘unconstitutional and void’ as the protection under national law meant it could not be prohibited at regional level.

 

Bullfighters have welcomed the judgement, which saw judges vote by eight to three in favour.

 

“Above all we’re free of being able to exercise our profession, which is legal, and what’s more is part of this country’s cultural heritage. Furthermore, to be able to defend ourselves legally, we have the legal basis to defend our profession and our life, which is bullfighting,” said Juan Diego.

 

Catalonia, a wealthy region with a strong independence movement, became the first part of mainland Spain to outlaw bullfighting in 2010 – arguing it was against Catalan tradition.

 

Authorities there say they will ignore the ruling from Madrid.

 

“No matter what the Constitutional Court says, there won’t be bullfighting again in Catalonia,” insisted Josep Rull, Catalan Minister for Public Works.

 

The Canary Islands banned bullfighting in 1991, leading to accusations that Catalonia is being unfairly picked on.

 

“The question is why in the Canary Islands is the decision of its parliament respected, and not in Catalonia? It’s an arbitrary decision,” complained Gabriel Rufián, a politician from the left-wing ERC party in Catalonia.

 

Animal rights activists have vowed to continue campaigning until bullfighting is banned all over Spain.

 

Catalonia is already at loggerheads with Madrid; its parliament has voted to hold a referendum on independence next September.

 

 

-- © Copyright Euronews 2016-10-21

When Catalonia was informed of the court ruling, replied it was a bunch of bull.

Bull fighting is such a senseless sport developed only to glorify men with tiny penises.

 

Catalonia is maybe just rich enough to afford its independence. Spain, on the other hand, needs Catalonia to pay the bills.

 

Let Madrid make a big issue out of it - will speed up the independence trend.

9 hours ago, webfact said:

Madrid called bullfighting a cultural asset protected under national law.

I think they should protect these animals and instigate a game called "The Running Man" We have way more blood thirsty people to spare than gentle animals. If its a cultural asset well maybe its time to change this medieval thinking after all we no long crucify Christians. I am sure national law could be used for more constructive things like stress tests on Spanish banks and bailing on the EU before it drags Spain down with it. I am beginning to understand now why the world is in such sad shape. Bullfighting is only a distraction away from the real problems in the country. Distractions vary from country to country but they are there well back to Fox News. 

So...there are other parts of the world except Thailand, that have not yet reached the 20th century!

Sad!

this issue seems pretty black and white to me. surprised the torture of these animals has been allowed for so long.

It's barbaric,  always has been, as are its spectators.

 

Cock fighting is no better.

 

Both belong in the dark ages.