FILE PHOTO: A member of the Aposento do Barrete Verde forcados group performs during a bullfight at Campo Pequeno bullring in Lisbon, Portugal October 11, 2018. REUTERS/Rafael Marchante
LISBON (Reuters) - Portugal's bullfighting tradition has stirred a row inside the Socialist government after the new culture minister refused to cut value-added tax (VAT) on tickets to events in line with other cultural shows.
Many Portuguese back the practice, arguing that it is more humane than in neighbouring Spain because bulls are not killed in the ring but rather after the fight, out of sight of spectators. Supporters also say the contests are less skewed in favour of the bullfighters, who are frequently gored in what they insist is an ancient cultural tradition.
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