Spain has passed a new transgender law allowing anyone 16 years of age or older to change their gender.
Irene Montero, a Spanish minister for equality, declared that trans women are women.
After enacting a transgender rights measure that allows anybody over the age of 16 to change their legally registered gender without any medical supervision. Spain is on track to become one of the first few countries to allow transgenders to do so with a simple declaration.
188 lawmakers voted in favour of it, and 150 against it. The Senate will now further decide whether to approve it. Within weeks, if there is no change, it will become a law. The reform has been pushed for by the left-leaning Podemos party. Which is in a coalition government with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s Socialist party. The feminist lobby in Spain, meanwhile, warns that “it could diminish women’s rights.”
The legislation mandates that minors between the ages of 14 and 16 travel with their parents or legal guardians. While those between the ages of 12 and 13 need a judge’s approval.
The Law:
Until recently, candidates had to show proof of two years of hormonal therapy and a gender dysphoria diagnosis, which is the feeling that one’s biological sex does not correspond to their gender identity. BBC added that minors required judicial consent as well.
Irene Montero, the Spanish Minister for Equality, claimed that the law “de-pathologizes” trans life and protects their legal rights. “Trans women are women,” she asserted. She has argued in favour of gender self-identification and criticized those who oppose the law as practicing “transphobia.”
With 188 votes in favour and 150 votes against, it was adopted. It will now go to the Senate for final approval. The bill has caused disagreement among feminists in Spain, with some claiming it could weaken women’s rights.
However, it is an important step towards equality towards trans people. And also being able to change their gender at such young age is a very good thing. This will finally allow them to alter and change their lifestyle as they please as soon as possible.
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