The International Bullfighting Association defended that the practice is protected in Spain by a national law that declared it a Cultural Heritage of all Spaniards, regardless of age, sex, race, or religion. According to the entity, this legal protection makes bullfighting a unique cultural element, with legislative backing that does not exist in other countries.
In a statement, the organization noted that “if this is what the legislator wanted, it cannot be contradicted or distorted by anyone”, referring to the Government’s announcement to modify the Organic Law 8/2021 (Lopivi) for the comprehensive protection of children and adolescents against violence.
Criticism of the United Nations
Bullfighting supporters argue that the Executive’s initiative responds to concerns expressed by the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, which warned about “scientific evidence” that bullfighting normalizes violence.
The association questioned the legitimacy of that committee, composed of experts from different nationalities, and stated that they can hardly understand Spanish cultural values. In their statement, they accused internal sectors of “betraying” the bullfighting tradition for political or electoral interests.
Cultural and legal arguments
The entity recalled that Unesco issued two international conventions in 2003 and 2005 to protect cultural diversity, and it was on these norms that the Spanish legislator based the protection of bullfighting.
They also pointed out that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights guarantees children’s right to access the culture they are part of, and that the Fiesta de los Toros is part of the cultural heritage of the Spanish people.
The political and social debate
The statement denounces that the Spanish Government intends to push a “malicious and obscure reform” of Lopivi to circumvent what was established by Parliament. According to the International Bullfighting Association, this contradicts Unesco’s international treaties and undermines the already established cultural protection.
The discussion reflects the tension between those who defend bullfighting as a cultural tradition and those who question it for its link to violence and animal suffering. The debate intensifies in a context of growing international pressure and social changes that challenge historical practices.
The defense of bullfighting by the International Association highlights the clash between cultural tradition and human rights, in a scenario where Spain finds itself at the center of a global debate. The discussion about whether bullfighting should continue to be considered cultural heritage or should be limited for ethical and child protection reasons opens a new chapter in the relationship between culture, politics, and society.
