A new wave of public debate is sweeping Spain: authorities are considering a full ban on the presence and participation of minors at bullfights and other events involving violence against animals. This initiative could affect not only cultural traditions, but also the daily lives of thousands of families, as well as influence Spain’s image internationally. The question of whether children should be allowed to attend such events has long sparked controversy, but the situation is now reaching a new level.
The Ministry of Youth and Children’s Affairs has presented a reform proposal to amend the current legislation on the protection of minors. Specifically, it proposes to ban not only participation but even the presence of anyone under 18 at events where cruelty to animals is documented. Bullfights are the main focus, as they are traditionally considered part of the national heritage but are increasingly criticized both at home and abroad.
International pressure
The ministry’s initiative is largely driven by recommendations from international organizations. In 2018, the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child strongly urged Spain to take measures to restrict minors’ access to events involving violence against animals. According to experts, such spectacles can have a negative impact on children’s mental health, fostering a tolerance for cruelty and distorting their understanding of acceptable behavior.
During recent discussions in international forums, Spanish representatives confirmed that the issue is already on the agenda and is currently being coordinated between ministries. The Minister for Youth and Children Sira Rego emphasized that the new version of the law envisages a complete ban on the participation of minors in, and their attendance at, events involving violence against animals, including bullfights. According to her, this will help bring national legislation in line with international standards and strengthen protections for children.
Arguments from both sides
The explanatory note to the draft reform states that the presence of children at events involving violence poses serious risks to their physical and mental health. Early exposure to brutality can lead to reduced empathy, the formation of a habit of perceiving violence as normal, and may even shape how conflicts are resolved in the future. The document emphasizes that these consequences can be long-term, affecting not only adolescents’ emotional state but also their social behavior.
However, opponents of the reform argue that bullfighting is an integral part of Spanish culture, and participation is often seen as a family tradition. In their view, a ban could create a rift between generations and weaken national identity. Some members of traditional communities believe that such measures are being imposed from outside and fail to take historical context into account.
Changes in the law
In addition to banning minors from attending and participating in bullfights, the reform draft introduces other important changes. Notably, it proposes to extend the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse cases: the countdown will now start from the victim’s 45th birthday instead of 35, as was previously the case. This will allow victims more time to seek justice and protect their rights.
It is also planned to introduce mandatory participation of children in judicial processes affecting their interests, regardless of age. For the first time, gender-based violence will be included on the list of crimes that bar individuals from working with children. In addition, the law will introduce the concept of ‘institutional violence’—any actions or inactions by state entities that could jeopardize the protection of minors. Such cases must be identified, investigated, and remedied.
Expectations and Outlook
The reform bill is currently undergoing final approval in the relevant ministries. Afterwards, the document will be submitted to the Council of Ministers for consideration. If the changes are approved, Spain will become one of the first European countries to impose a complete ban on minors attending or participating in bullfights. This decision could set a precedent for other states and change attitudes toward traditional forms of entertainment involving violence against animals.
Public reaction to the initiative is mixed: some welcome the steps to strengthen child protection, while others fear it may lead to the loss of cultural values. In any case, the reform discussion has already sparked lively debate in Spanish society and beyond. The question of where to draw the line between tradition and the need to protect children’s rights remains open.
