The French Senate rejected a proposed law that aimed to prohibit the entry of minors under 16 to bullfighting shows and cockfights. Conservative senator from the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Max Brisson, called the text a disregard for local freedoms and for the role of parents in the education of children.
The proposal presented by Macronist Samantha Cazebonne aimed to modify Article 521-1 of the Penal Code to impose fines of up to 75,000 euros on bullfight organizers who allowed minors to enter repeatedly.
The Justice Commission evaluated the text and concluded that the articles of the penal code intended to be modified were not aimed at restricting access to shows but at sanctions for animal abuse. Despite criticism, the Senate voted against the proposal with 237 votes against and 64 in favor.
The project generated an intense debate among parliamentarians, with divided opinions on protecting children from violence in shows and preserving traditions and family decisions. Senator Arnaud Bazin highlighted the inconsistency of allowing minors to witness shows considered traumatic in the context of the current French legislation.
This rejection in the Senate marks another episode in the debate over bullfighting in the French Parliament, where previous proposals to prohibit such shows have failed to be ratified. Despite discrepancies within political groups, the decision to reject the prohibition of minors under 16 entering these bullfighting events and cockfights prevailed this time.
