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O parlamento de Portugal rejeitou uma proposta para um referendo sobre a proibição das touradas. Apenas os partidos BE e Livre apoiaram. Houve debate intenso sobre cultura e direitos animais. Muitos políticos são contra o referendo , mas outros defendem a liberdade de escolha. A questão é importante para a sociedade portuguesa.

Translation

The Portuguese parliament has rejected a proposal for a referendum on banning bullfighting. Only the BE and Livre parties supported it. There was intense debate about culture and animal rights. Many politicians are against the referendum, but others advocate for freedom of choice. The issue is significant for Portuguese society.

Exercise: Text comprehension

Question 1: Which parties supported the proposal for a bullfighting referendum?

The BE and Livre parties supported the proposal.

Question 2: What were the main topics of debate regarding the proposal?

The main topics were culture and animal rights.

Exercise: Vocabulary

(m.) - parliament

- reject

(m.) - referendum

(f.) - prohibition

(f.) - culture

- to be

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▌04/10/2024

The Portuguese Parliament recently turned down a proposal put forward by the political party PAN (People-Animals-Nature) to conduct a referendum on the potential abolition of bullfighting in Portugal. This resolution was part of a broader move to curb tauromachic activities, including proposals aimed at prohibiting attendance by those under 16 years of age.

The referendum proposal received backing solely from the parties BE (Left Bloc) and Livre, alongside the abstention of three members of the Socialist Party (PS). In contrast, it faced opposition from a coalition of parties, including Chega, CDS-PP, Iniciativa Liberal, PSD, PS, and PCP.

This rejection came after a fervent debate on animal welfare that reflected divisions within the parliament and broader Portuguese society. Many lawmakers, like PS deputy Pedro Sousa, emphasized that the debate around bullfighting is not only a cultural issue but also about the type of democratic society that Portuguese citizens wish to uphold.

Portuguese Parliament Rejects Bullfighting Referendum Portuguese Parliament Rejects Bullfighting Referendum (Illustration)

Proponents of the ban, including PAN's Inês Sousa Real, have criticised bullfighting as "an indescribable civilizational regression" and firmly believe that such spectacles are contrary to modern ethical standards. However, despite these strong arguments, the proposal did not gain sufficient parliamentary support, highlighting a reluctance to place this decision directly in the hands of the public through a referendum.

On the other side of the debate, figures like Gonçalo Valente from PSD, a former bullfighter himself, underscored the importance of respecting individual convictions, advocating for tolerance and responsibility when discussing such culturally imbued topics. Meanwhile, the CDS-PP party argued that such activities encompass an element of freedom and accused PAN of overstepping by seeking to dictate cultural preferences.

Additional legislative efforts by PAN and BE, such as preventing institutional support for bullfighting and other activities causing animal suffering, also faced rejection. These proposals did find a measure of support among some deputies yet ultimately fell short due to combined resistance from numerous parties.

The discourse surrounding bullfighting continues to resonate with fundamental questions about cultural heritage, democratic values, and the ethical treatment of animals. The debate underscores a nation in contemplation about the path its society will undertake, balancing tradition with evolving modern values.

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