Regarding the processes of surgical simulation of genital organs, the law enjoins the general precaution that it is not available to children under 12 years of age, but there is an exception to this principle in the event that “medical indications require otherwise in order to protect the person’s health.”
For children between 12 and 16 years old, the law establishes that a sufficient degree of maturity must be ascertained. After that age, parental consent is not required.
Other measures
The Trans Law prohibits any form of professional or informal counseling, even at the request of the interested party, which involves reversing the process of changing one’s natural sex.
It also facilitates the access of LGTBI people to assisted reproduction treatments and allows the filiation of children to a lesbian couple without their having to have a civil marriage.
The law also introduces the condition of being a “sexile,” in reference to cases where LGTBI people leave their place of residence due to social discrimination.
Feminists divided
The legislative process has divided the feminist groups. This division even led to scuttling the first attempt to pass this law in 2021.
Some feminists criticized the possibility that men accused of crimes against women could declare themselves female to obtain legal and even prison benefits.
Concerns have also been raised that men could enter women’s sports competitions claiming to be women, creating unequal conditions given the natural constitution of men compared with women.
Church criticism
(Story continues below)
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Various bishops have spoken out in recent months against the provisions of the Trans Law.
Last December, the bishop of Orihuela-Alicante, José Ignacio Munilla, spoke ironically about the the law, saying: “Weren't we scientists? How is it possible that we now override genetics completely? To hell with the fascist chromosomes! The chromosomes are not going to tell me what I am,” he said.
This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.
Nicolás de Cárdenas has been the correspondent for ACI Prensa in Spain since July 2022. In his journalism career he has specialized in socio-religious topics, and he has also worked for local and international civil associations.