Spain’s parliament passed two laws on Thursday that would make it easier to change the gender of trans people and make abortions easier. Equal Opportunities Minister Irene Montero then cheered on Twitter: “Today is a historic day for the advancement of feminist rights.”
The gender law was approved by 191 votes to 60, with an unusually large number of abstentions (91). In the abortion reform, 185 MPs voted yes, 154 against.
The Gender Act allows children and young people over the age of twelve to officially change their gender identity. At the age of 16, you can decide that for yourself in the future. Young people over 14 still need parental consent, and younger people also need approval from a judge. The law has been criticized by the conservative opposition and the Catholic Church. It also sparked debates within the left-wing governing coalition.
The new abortion law guarantees abortion in public health centers and lowers the age for an abortion without parental consent to 16. In addition, the previously prescribed three-day “reflection period” will be abolished. The free distribution of the “morning after pill” is also guaranteed. Another innovation is the so-called “menstrual leave”: in the future, women will be able to stay away from work if they have severe menstrual problems.
