Lawmakers in Mexico City have taken a bold step by passing legislation that bans violent bullfighting, ending a practice that has been deeply rooted in the nation’s culture for centuries. The vote, which passed by an overwhelming 61-1 margin,

Mexico City lawmakers overwhelmingly approve legislation to keep the bullfighting tradition alive, while also keeping the bulls alive.

Mexico City’s local congress on Tuesday passed a measure aiming to make bullfights much less harmful to bulls and matadors, a move applauded by animal rights activists but sharply criticized by fans of the centuries-old tradition.