Spain Bans Dwarf Bullfighting: A Step Towards Advocating Human Rights

SPAIN – On Thursday 28 April, Spanish parliamentarians banned shows presented during bullfights by troupes of people with dwarfism, an initiative hailed by human rights organizations but criticized by the professionals concerned.

These representations, called “dwarven bullfighting”appeared decades ago to entertain the public at bullfighting encounters.

Ces “bullfighting dwarfs”, as they call themselves, including dressing up as firefighters and chasing young bulls without a kill, with the goal of making onlookers laugh. They are fewer and fewer and these shows have lost popularity.

“Advancing Human Rights”

The law approved on Thursday prohibits “performances or recreational activities in which persons with disabilities (…) are used to arouse the mockery, ridicule or derision of the public”.

It aims to ensure compliance in Spain with European Union directives on discrimination against people with disabilities.

The Royal Disabilities Committee, which advises the Department of Social Rights, found that Madrid had “advances human rights by banning public performances that humiliate people with disabilities”.

The livelihood of some artists under threat

These representations “spread the idea to so many girls and boys who attend these shameful performances with adults that it’s ok to laugh at the difference”noted Jesus Martin, general manager of the organization.

But many of the artists concerned said they felt respected and appreciated, stressing that without these shows their livelihood was threatened. A few demonstrated in front of Parliament ahead of the vote on the law to express their opposition.

“We are bullfighters, we are artists, enough bans, we don’t want alms”wrote this week the troupe “Entertainment in the Arena” on his Facebook page.

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