Lucca Luna Park faces controversy over discriminatory strength game labels

A controversy has emerged at the Luna Park in Lucca, Italy, regarding the scoring labels used on a mechanical bull strength attraction called ‘El Toro’. The game requires participants to bend the bull's horns, with higher physical strength leading to the title of ‘torero’. However, lower strength levels were labeled with terms such as ‘gay’, ‘signorina’ (young lady), and ‘inabile’ (disabled).

The issue gained national attention after a young visitor photographed the scoreboard and alerted the Pistoia-based association Coming Out Aps. Jonathan Lucchesi, president of the association, condemned the labels as an expression of a “patriarchal, chauvinistic, and ableist” narrative, noting the impact on children and youth frequenting the park.

Lucca city councilor Daniele Bianucci also criticized the attraction, stating that associating homosexuality or the female gender with physical weakness represents an outdated cultural model. Following the social media backlash and formal complaints, the park operator intervened and updated the scoreboard to remove the controversial terms.