The Spanish deputies adopted, Thursday, February 16, a law allowing to freely change gender from the age of 16, at a time when other European countries are slowing down on this controversial subject.
This vote took place after months of debate within the ruling left. From now on, with this so-called “transgender” law, all Spaniards aged 16 and over will need a simple administrative declaration to change gender on their identity papers.
Previously, it was necessary to provide medical reports attesting to gender dysphoria and proof of hormone treatment followed for two years.
“ Today we took a giant step “acknowledging the” self-determination of gender identity launched Podemos Minister for Equality Irene Montero, defending a law that “ depathologizes » transgender people. The text has been ardently defended by Podemos and by the largest LGBT organization in Spain, FELGBTI+, which hopes, according to its president Uge Sangil, that this law ” will encourage other countries to follow the example ” Spanish.
The text, strongly contested by right-wing elected representatives, but adopted by 191 votes to 60 and 91 abstentions, also extends this right to 14-16 year olds, provided that they are accompanied in the procedure by their legal guardians, as well as to 12- 14 years old, if they get the green light from the courts.
Menstrual leave
The deputies also voted this Thursday a law creating a ” menstrual leave » for women suffering from painful menstruation, an unprecedented measure in Europe. ” A historic day “, welcomed the Minister for Equality.
This right is still rare in the world. Spain is also the only European country to set it up. In Asia, Japan, since 1947, and Indonesia, since 2003, grant this right to women. But also the Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan and in Africa with Zambia.