New Law in Spain Targets “Conversion Therapies”: What It Means for LGBTQ+ Rights
A significant development in Spain has put the spotlight on the rights and well-being of the LGBTQ+ community. The Spanish Congress of Deputies has approved a Socialist-led bill aimed at criminalizing “conversion therapies,” practices designed to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. This move signals a strong stance against treatments often criticized as harmful and ineffective.
The Core of the Legislation
The bill, which passed with support from a majority of parties excluding the far-right Vox, sets out to penalize those who promote or practice conversion therapies with up to two years in prison. This includes psychological, physical, pharmacological, or any other methods aimed at altering a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. The law amends Article 173 of the Criminal Code, elevating the practice to a crime.
Did you know? Conversion therapies are often rooted in the belief that LGBTQ+ identities are illnesses that can be “cured.”
The aim is to protect individuals from these damaging practices, which, as the bill’s proponents argue, constitute a severe form of attack and denigration against the LGBTQ+ community. Notably, the legislation also addresses the use of such therapies on minors and those with disabilities, imposing harsher penalties in such cases.
Key Provisions and Penalties
The law outlines several aggravating circumstances that lead to more severe penalties:
- If the victim is a minor.
- If violence, intimidation, deceit, or abuse of power is used.
- If the perpetrator is part of an organization or association dedicated to these practices.
- If the actions are carried out for profit.
Pro Tip: This legislation, if implemented successfully, could become a template for other countries seeking to protect LGBTQ+ individuals from harmful conversion practices.
Those who consent to, promote, or facilitate these therapies for minors or people with disabilities could face similar penalties. Additionally, courts could remove parental rights or guardianship for up to five years and bar individuals from working with minors in fields like education and sports for the same period. These measures are designed to make it clear that such practices are unacceptable.
Political Reactions and Future Amendments
While the bill has been approved for processing, it is not without its critics and has led to some debate. Some groups believe that the penalties are not strong enough. Sumar, a coalition party, for example, has expressed concern that the penalties are less stringent than those proposed earlier. They will offer amendments focusing on protecting victims, including the implementation of specific training for healthcare and education professionals.
ERC (Republican Left of Catalonia) has similarly stated that the bill has been “watered down”. The PNV (Basque Nationalist Party) referenced international comparisons, mentioning that countries like Germany, France, and the Netherlands already penalize these activities. The PP, which supported the bill, has also voiced concerns, with some members stating a desire for better definition of what constitutes conversion therapy.
For more information, see this report by ILGA-Europe about conversion therapies.
The Broader Implications for LGBTQ+ Rights
This law is part of a larger international trend, with many nations moving to protect LGBTQ+ individuals. Many countries have banned conversion therapies, while others have enacted legislation to safeguard the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. This legal framework aims to counter harmful conversion practices and foster a more inclusive society where LGBTQ+ individuals are respected and protected. This includes focusing on measures beyond criminal penalties. Such measures could include providing support to victims, offering resources, and creating awareness of the dangers of these harmful “therapies.”
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
What are conversion therapies? These are practices that attempt to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
What does the Spanish law criminalize? The law penalizes those who promote or practice conversion therapies.
What are the penalties? Those who promote or practice conversion therapies could face up to two years in prison, with increased penalties in certain circumstances.
Who are the primary targets of this legislation? Minors and individuals with disabilities, who the bill is designed to protect.
Reader question: What are the long-term effects on the health of those who are subjected to conversion practices?
Please share your thoughts below! What do you think about this law? What more should be done to protect the LGBTQ+ community?
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