.

The bill tabled by The Greens, which would have required any bullfighters and assistants under the age of 18 to have completed 12 years of schooling, was opposed by most Socialists - with 12 abstaining and 10 voting in favour - as well as by all Communist deputies and the centre-right Social Democratic Party and right-wing People's Party.

The other two bills, both of which would have barred all minors from participating in bullfights or similar spectacles, were opposed by most Socialists - with 10 deputies abstaining - as well as Communists, Social Democrats and People's Party deputies.

The smaller left-of-centre parties all voted in favour.

The United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child is among organisations that has criticised the child-protection situation in Portugal where bullfights are concerning.