The initiative is called “End the bullfighting, please”, and was launched today in front of the arena of Campo Pequeno, in Lisbon, during an event attended by several PAN leaders, representatives of associations and the leader of the Spanish party. Partido Animalista Contra el Maltrato Animal) Ana Béjar.
The aim is “to put an end to this anachronistic activity that should no longer exist in the 21st century,” declared party spokeswoman Inês de Sousa Real, claiming that “the progress of civilization is not in line with bullfighting”.
The PAN leader called for a boost to the initiative to collect as many signatures as possible and facilitate discussion in the Assembly of the Republic.
As an example, he was one of the first to sign the petition, which, as announced, will be accessible on the PAN website and social networks.
Speaking to the Lusa agency, Inês de Sousa Real believed that after deputies failed to comply with the PAN’s proposed abolition of bullfighting, it will now be “much more difficult to reject a civil society initiative.” which clearly shows its position in relation to these activities.”.
In this sense, he referred to “the numerous petitions that have been sent” to the Assembly of the Republic and the municipal councils.
“A little bit across the country we’re seeing the closing of arenas and the society that demands it,” he said.
“It makes no sense that political power contradicts the growing sensitivity of our society,” he stressed, pointing out that “the various polls” state that “Portuguese society does not like bullfights, does not want to continue to mistreat it.” of animals”.
The PAN’s sole deputy also believed that this should not be Portugal’s “brand image”.
“We want to put Portugal as a reference from the point of view of animal protection and we believe that with a legislative initiative of citizens, the political power – in this context as complex as that of an absolute majority – and the other deputies of the Assembly of the Republic realize that they should position themselves on the right side of history, the side of abolition,” he emphasized.
According to Inês Sousa Real, the party will organize “street campaigns and actions” across the country to make this legislative initiative known to citizens.
According to the legislation, “citizens’ right to initiate legislation is exercised by the presentation to the Assembly of the Republic of bills signed by a minimum of 20,000 voters”.
Last week, the PAN introduced a bill in parliament to ban minors under the age of 16 from attending or participating in bullfighting shows as performers, assistants or pitchforks.
Source: DN
