Bullfighting was imported from Spain in the 19th century and is extremely popular in parts of southern France.

Bullfighting is protected by a 1951 law that allows certain regions to be exempted from the general ban on animal cruelty, the BBC reports.

Although many in President Emmanuel Macron’s party personally support the ban, the Elysee Palace is avoiding a decision on a ban because it believes such a move would damage relations between the city and the countryside, that is, between Paris and other regions. The proposal was sent for parliamentary discussion by the members of the extreme left Nupes coalition.

Supporters of the ban cite polls showing that more than 80 percent of French people want an end to bullfighting, which causes the animals to die. As many as 61 percent of French people from cities where bullfights are traditionally held oppose this custom.