Colombia has approved a bill banning bullfights, marking a significant victory for animal rights activists over advocates who argued to uphold the sport in the South American country.

Colombia’s congress has voted to ban bullfights in the South American nation, delivering a serious blow to a centuries old tradition that has inspired famous songs and novels but has become increasingly controversial in the countries where it is still practiced.

Colombia's Congress banned bullfighting on Tuesday following seven years of failed attempts to prohibit the activity, which some political and social groups have vowed to maintain citing its cultural value.

Colombia's congress passed a bill Tuesday banning bullfighting, a controversial yet popular pastime in the South American country with hundreds of events drawing thousands of spectators every year.The law would bring Colombia in line with other countries in the region that have banned bullfighting,

Colombia's congress passed a bill Tuesday banning bullfighting, a controversial yet popular pastime in the South American country with hundreds of events drawing thousands of spectators every year. If approved by leftist President Gustavo Petro,