The Chamber of Deputies will continue debating a proposed ban on live marine mammal shows in Mexico, a bill presented by the Green Ecologist Party (PVEM). This is the party’s third attempt at getting the bill out of committee, winning only 232 of the 251 required votes to move forward in its last proposal.
Deputies of the National Action (PAN), Democratic Revolution (PRD), Morena and Movimiento Ciudadano parties did not cast their vote on Thursday, despite having been in the session, resulting in a lack of a quorum to move forward.
Arturo Álvarez Angli, president of the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources in the Chamber of Deputies, said that he had expected a consensus to approve the proposal last Thursday prohibiting shows with marine species such as whales, dolphins and manatees.
The Green Party will attempt another vote and meeting the Chamber of Deputies minimal requirements of voting members to move forward.
If the proposed bill receives enough support, captivated mammals for the use of shows in Mexico will be banned in 2047, effectively ending a multi-million dollar tourist industry exploiting sea life for profit.
Exceptions to the proposal are being debated, such as those institutions that prove significant scientific research or re-population programs of endangered mammal species.
If this opinion is approved in the Chamber of Deputies, it would later go to the Senate for its analysis and eventual ratification.
