In a significant event at the former Plaza de Toros de La Santamaría, President Gustavo Petro officially enacted the “No More Olé” law on Monday, July 22. This landmark legislation will put an end to bullfighting in Colombia, including related practices such as rejoneo, novilladas, becerradas, and tientas. The law was approved by Congress following numerous unsuccessful attempts—14 in total—where previous proposals failed to pass.
The ceremony highlighted the voices of children, including Gabriela Ramírez, a representative from the animal rights collective Biofilos, and Luana Victoria Delgado, a child journalist known as Luana Mediática. During the signing, President Petro recognized the collective efforts not only of animal rights advocates but also of parliamentary supporters who passionately pushed for the bill’s passage.
Petro emphasized his stance against bullfighting, recalling that during his tenure as the mayor of Bogotá, no bullfights were held. He remarked on the moral implications of defining certain animals as having an inferior status in society, stating, “Justice cannot claim that killing sentient beings for fun is cultural.” He further warned that if society finds entertainment in killing animals, it could extend that mindset to humans.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Vice President Francia Márquez, Laura Sarabia, the director of the Administrative Department of the Presidency, and ministers and congressional sponsors like Alejandro García (Alianza Verde) and Juan Carlos Lozada (Liberal).
With this enactment, Colombia will join a small group of eight countries that still permit bullfighting as a legal activity. Critics of the law, such as Manizales’ mayor, Jorge Rojas Giraldo, have voiced concerns about the potential economic consequences for local communities that rely on bullfighting events.
The gathering also included performances by artists such as I.R.A and Desarme, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to animal rights and fostering a culture free from violence towards living beings. Petro reminded attendees of the historical parallels to ancient Rome, where the value of life was often disregarded.
Importantly, the “No More Olé” law will not be implemented immediately. A three-year transitional period has been established to identify stakeholders within the bullfighting industry and develop economic reconversion programs for families reliant on these activities. Additionally, there will be measures to transform bullfighting venues into cultural spaces.
The battle against bullfighting in Colombia has spanned nearly 30 years, supported by numerous organizations advocating for animal rights. The law’s enactment marks a cultural shift away from practices deeply rooted in the country’s Iberian heritage.
This development signals a remarkable advance in the fight against bullfighting in Colombia, reinforcing a commitment to animal rights and prompting a broader societal reflection on the treatment of living beings.
Image and News Source: https://www.infobae.com/colombia/2024/07/23/petro-sanciono-desde-la-santamaria-la-ley-no-mas-ole-con-la-que-se-prohibiran-las-corridas-de-toros-en-colombia/
