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Bull Fighting Ban in Catalonia

Bull fighting has been a particularly prickly and controversial subject, splitting public opinion in two. To some it is a point of national pride, a celebrated contest, and supposedly inspirational occasion, yet to others it is a barbaric and inhumane ritual.Catalonia recently decided with the latter persuasion, as they banned Bullfighting within their region.It has been debated heavily in the time leading up to the parliamentary decision, with many arguing for the protection of this formerly national pass time, while others arguing over its unethical treatment of the animals involved.Over 180,000 signed a people's legislative initiative petition forcing the issue in to parliament. Lead by the activist group Platforma Prou, the petition lead to a parliamentary vote last month.The ban was favored by 68 members of Catalan Parliament, while 55 opposed the movement, and there were nine abstentions. While the ban has only recently been passed, it has been a subject on the lips of Catalan parliament since 2004, when a rising opposition to the bullfighting ritual was strongly noted.Yet there is no consensus on the matter, many associate the bullfight with Spanish identity and are accusing this of being an attempt to create further dissidence between Catalonia and the rest of Spain. The vote comes at a time when certain Catalonians have been clamouring for a stronger autonomous identity.?The reality, and you know it, is that for some political groups it is not about animal protection,? commented Albert Rivera of the Mixed Group in the debate preceding the vote. ?You want to eliminate everything that reminds us that Catalonia forms part of Spain.?"As a nation we will take a step forward and that gives us a certain pride,? remarked Josep Rull, one of the regional lawmakers involved in the decision. ?A majority in Catalonia has values that are shared with the rest of Europe.?Many pundits have been speaking of their hope for this decision to pass throughout the rest of Spain as they hope others may begin to discuss the matter seriously. This seems rather unlikelyIn Catalan the bullfight has only a fraction of the popularity it enjoys throughout the rest of Spain, and the interest in the ritual has been gradually waning. In Catalonia only 106 bulls were slain in bullfights, as opposed to over 1000 in Andalusia, 800 in Madrid.There is only one arena in Catalonia; the Monumental in Barcelona, the owner has already spoken of claiming compensation following the vote.Meanwhile pundits are commenting on the Costa Del Sol's reliance on the tourism trade, with many foreigner living in Costa del Sol villas, and renting them out to other holiday makers who bring over a billion Euros with them each year. With a struggling economy and desire to attract more visitors to the area and buyers to properties in one of Europe's most overdeveloped areas, many have suggested that similar consideration would serve to attract more Europeans, so far alienated from the area. Yet serving as a popular ritual here, it seems too embellished within the Andaluc?a identity.