Spain Bans ‘Dwarf Bullfighting’ Amid Controversy

Spain’s parliament has made a significant step towards inclusivity and against discrimination by banning ‘dwarf bullfighting,’ a decades-old tradition. This practice involved individuals with dwarfism donning various costumes to chase bulls in public spectacles meant to be humorous. The ban aligns Spain with European Union directives against disability discrimination.

For years, these performances have received widespread criticism from disability rights groups, suggesting they encourage public mockery and belittlement of people with dwarfism. Jesús Martín, the director general of Spain’s Royal Board on Disabilities, hailed the ban, declaring, “People with dwarfism were subjected to mockery in public squares in our country, passing down the idea that it is OK to laugh at difference.”

However, this decision has not been without its critics. A small group of performers have protested the ban, expressing their concern over the loss of their livelihood. One such protester, Daniel Calderón, a dwarf bullfighter, told EFE news agency that these events were more about respect and less about denigration. Despite the controversy, this legislative change signifies Spain’s commitment to promoting equality, respect, and non-discrimination, a step towards a more inclusive future.

Spain has seen a 40 percent decline in bullfighting events in the last ten years, and more than 80 percent of Spaniards between the ages of 18 and 24 oppose them. A recent petition to ban them entirely accrued over 200,000 signatures and Barcelona has only one bullfighting ring left. Bullfights are an antiquated tradition and have no place in a civilized society. Tradition is no excuse to continue inflicting violence and discrimination.  

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• Petition: Ban Bullfighting in France
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