Spain’s Win for Transgender Rights Almost Tore the Country Apart
BNNDec 22, 2022
On Thursday, Spain's lower chamber of Parliament voted 188-150 to allow anyone 16 years and up to change their legally registered gender without medical evaluation, 14- and 15-year-olds to do so with parental approval, and 12- and 13-year-olds with a judge's authorization.
Until now, Spain required a medical report attesting to gender dysphoria and proof of hormonal treatment for two years in order to change one's gender on their national identity card. Previously, all minors also needed judicial approval to make the change.
In Spain, transgender people face disproportionate rates of depression, suicide, and hate crimes due to the country's history — up until very recently — of putting the LGBTQ+ community on the fringe of society. This bill shows that, despite strong opposition from the other side of the political aisle, the Spanish people are finally evolving their views on the issue.
This issue isn't about left versus right but about protecting Spain's youth. Under the guise of promoting trans rights, the proposal is pushing a radical endorsement of irreversible and dangerous procedures for children. While there undoubtedly needs to be respect for everyone, there also need to be protections for the country's most vulnerable.