Two-thirds of Spaniards believe that gender change, even if only on paper, is too serious a decision for children to make. In their opinion, it is necessary to be fully aware of the consequences of such a step, and only adults are capable of this.
What does the law say about it?
A bill introduced by the Ministry of Equality and promoted by the Podemos party would allow any Spaniard over the age of 16 to apply to the registration authorities and officially change his sex. It will not be necessary to undergo a two-year process of hormonal therapy, as now (any change in appearance will be completely voluntary, both before and after the change of documents), or to provide medical reports confirming the condition. It will only be enough to write an application.
Teenagers between the ages of 14 and 16 also need the consent of their parents or legal counsel if they are against it. Between the ages of 12 and 14 can also undergo the procedure, but only after a judge verifies the “maturity” of the child. Younger children will not be able to change their gender, but they will, according to the bill, be allowed to change their name to match the gender they identify with.
65 percent of Spanish people believe that it is premature for minors to make such decisions (although they have nothing against adults doing so). And they are not alone in this. Several scientific societies (Societies of Psychiatry and Endocrinology, the Madrid College of Physicians and the Association of Adolescent Psychiatrists) oppose the bill, at least as it stands.
As psychologists warn, transgender ideology has gone viral, capturing more and more teenagers on social networks. Experts also consider taking hormonal drugs or surgery to be a hasty step, because the consequences are irreversible.
We await further information related to this bill.
