Spain passes trans law allowing gender self-determination

Spanish lawmakers approved a transgender law letting anyone 16 and older change the gender on their ID card, even as similar measures elsewhere have sparked division over the complexities of the issue.

The law, which passed by 191 votes in favour against 60 opposed and 91 abstentions, makes Spain one of the few nations to allow people to change the gender on a national identity card with a simple declaration.

In Europe, Denmark was the first country to grant such a right in 2014.

That vote was the last hurdle for legislation that has caused a major rift within Spain's fractious left-wing coalition, as the country gears up for a general election later this year.

The law is a flagship project of the equality ministry, which is held by Podemos, the radical left-wing junior partner in the Socialist-led coalition.

Until now, adults in Spain could only request the change with a medical report attesting to gender dysphoria, a psychiatric condition of unease with life, and proof of hormone treatment for two years. Minors also needed judicial authorisation.

The new law drops all such requirements, with those aged 14 and 15 allowed to apply if their parents or legal guardians agree, while teens aged 12 and 13 will also require a judge's permission.

In Spain, the bill generated deep political and ideological divisions within the left-wing coalition government, driving a wedge between activists in its powerful feminist lobby and LGBTQ equality campaigners.

And it was adamantly opposed by right-wing groups.