2023-12-06 23:48:46
The Supreme Court of Mexico authorized this Wednesday the resumption of bullfighting in Plaza México, one of the most important bullfighting venues in the world. The highest court of this country understood that there were lacks of legitimacy in the claim promoted by an environmental organization – which had already managed to suspend the bullfights in the first instance -, and that is why the brave party will return to this capital.
The outcome involves the highest spheres of politics and business. The resolution was promoted by the Minister of the Court Yasmín Esquivel, appointed to the position by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and whose husband is the construction businessman José María Riobóo, usually favored in public works tenders by the Mexican Government.
Esquivel has just been in the eye of the storm because alleged plagiarism was discovered in a thesis written by the minister and for which he was on the verge of abandoning his position in the highest court.
López Obrador has never criticized the bullfighting and when he has been consulted on the subject he is evasive and promises to call a referendum so that society can decide on bullfighting.
The litigation before the Court was promoted by the company Diversiones y Espectáculos ETM, owned by Alejandro Bailléres, one of the richest businessmen in Mexico. Among his many businesses is the organization of the bullfights in Plaza México.
This show has been suspended since May 2022 by decision of Judge Jonathan Bass. It all started when the Just Justice Civil Association challenged the Bullfighting Regulations and the Law for the Celebration of Public Entertainments of CDMX.
The judge ruled in favor of Just Justice, arguing that “society is interested in respecting the physical and emotional integrity of all animals.”
Minister Esquivel drafted a ruling to revoke this definitive suspension because she understood that the requirement consisting of accreditation of the interest of the complaining civil association was not met. According to the minister, environmental protection cannot be equated with animal protection. From that perspective, the claim for Just Justice has no consistency.
The minister also pointed out that the association at no time demonstrated imminent or irreparable damage that it would suffer if the suspension was denied, and even less demonstrated the social interest that justifies the granting of the measure that suspended the bullfights.
Added to this is that the Mexican Court has already established that environmental protection does not imply the absolute protection of all animals, since multiple species, such as the fighting bull, are bred by humans for different purposes, and do not form part of the part of the wildlife or ecosystems that must be protected.
The day before the sentencing was hectic in the vicinity of the Mexican Supreme Court. Pro and anti fiesta brava groups clashed with various demonstrations while the ministers deliberated. A detachment of the Mexico City police monitored that incidents did not break out.
“Yes to the bullfights in CDMX”, “Long live the traditions”, said the banners and posters of those who are in favor of the bullfights. The environmental protesters, meanwhile, responded with texts such as “the right not to be exploited” and “Art creates, it does not torture.”
The Court’s ruling puts limits on a jurisprudence that is expanding throughout the country against bullfighting. Two weeks ago a federal judge suspended, indefinitely, bullfighting in Guadalajara, where the Plaza Nuevo Progreso operates.
Luis Márquez Pedroza, 19th judge in Administrative, Civil and Labor matters in that city, had granted a definitive suspension in the protection promoted by an animal rights protection organization.
We are pleased to inform you and express our joy at the decision made today by the Second Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation which, by unanimous vote, decided to lift the suspension that weighed on the possibility of carrying bullfighting shows are held in Plaza México, the largest bullring in the world.
This resolution leaves a great positive precedent in favor of freedoms and constitutional rights to self-determination, culture, free competition and decent work, as well as values such as tolerance and respect. The diversity of different opinions and beliefs are fundamental for the healthy coexistence to which our beloved Mexico should aspire.
.
The Plaza México company
has sent this statement after learning of the resolution: «We are pleased to inform you and express our joy for the decision made today by the Second Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation that, by unanimous vote, resolved lift the suspension that weighed on the possibility of holding bullfighting shows in Plaza México, the largest bullring in the world. This resolution leaves a great positive precedent in favor of freedoms and constitutional rights to self-determination, culture, free competition and decent work, as well as values such as tolerance and respect. The diversity of different opinions and beliefs are fundamental for the healthy coexistence to which our beloved Mexico should aspire. We reiterate that we will continue to defend bullfighting and support the free manifestation of bullfighting activity in all its facets. “We will be attentive to the legal process and corresponding notifications so that, in the near future, we can announce the restart of bullfighting activities in our Plaza México.”
#Supreme #Court #authorizes #return #bullfighting