The Spanish Congress of Deputies approved this Thursday the reform of the Criminal Code that will allow prison sentences for so-called LGTBI conversion therapies, practices aimed at changing or suppressing a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
The initiative, promoted by the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE), has been passed with 178 votes in favor, 32 against—those of Vox—and 137 abstentions from the Popular Party (PP). After clearing this parliamentary stage, the bill will now continue its process in the Senate.
The reform provides for prison sentences of between six months and two years, as well as financial penalties, for those who apply, carry out, or promote methods, techniques, or procedures intended to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity, even when there is consent from the victim or their legal representative.
From an administrative offence to a criminal offence
Until now, these practices were already banned in Spain and were classified as a very serious administrative offence under the 2023 Trans Law. Fines could reach up to €150,000, but they were not included as a criminal offence in the Criminal Code.
With this reform, the aim is to strengthen the protection of LGTBI rights and improve the ability to respond to practices that many organisations and experts consider particularly harmful and discriminatory.
A debate with broad support, but also calls for improvements
Although the proposal has received broad parliamentary support, several groups such as Sumar, Junts, ERC, EH Bildu, Podemos, PNV, and Compromís have argued that it should go further by including support measures for victims, such as financial assistance, housing support, and specific resources to make it easier to report these cases.
For its part, the Popular Party, which abstained in the vote, has expressed support for the goal of the law, although it believes changes are needed during its passage through the Senate in order to give the text greater legal precision.
Vox was the only party that voted against the initiative, arguing that the reform represents a limitation of certain individual freedoms.
A new step forward in the protection of LGTBI rights in Spain
Supporters of the law believe that including conversion therapies in the Criminal Code has a strong deterrent effect and represents a step forward in protecting the rights and dignity of LGTBI people.
Pending its passage through the Senate, the reform represents a new chapter in the development of Spanish legislation on equality and diversity, strengthening the fight against practices that seek to question or alter people’s identity and orientation.
