A hen was sacrificed Wednesday in the Mexican Senate to offer its blood to the pre-Columbian rain god Tlaloc, a ceremony that provoked a wave of indignation.
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The unprecedented scene was broadcast on parliamentary social networks, but was interrupted after a participant, against the backdrop of drum rolls, had slit the bird’s throat to collect its blood in a container.
The ceremony was organized by Senator Adolfo Gomez, member of the ruling Morena party, with invitation through the institutional networks of the Senate.
But in the evening the governing bodies of the chamber distanced themselves from this initiative, placing the responsibility solely on the senator.
The legislative power “in no way endorses the facts reported, and will take the relevant disciplinary measures against the senator responsible,” according to a press release.
Mr. Gomez justified himself by invoking ancient customs. The Mexican Constitution stipulates that it is appropriate to “respect the traditions of the original peoples” of the country, he stressed to journalists.
Animal rights associations, on the other hand, recalled that sacrifices and mistreatment of animals were prohibited in Mexico City.
The organization Anima Naturalis Mexico announced on the social network
