- Legislative Shift: The right-wing bloc (PSD, CDS-PP, and Chega) manages to pass measures to dismantle the right to self-determination in effect since 2018.
- Return to the Clinical Model: The proposals seek to reinstate the requirement for a medical report diagnosing “gender incongruence.”
- Restrictions on Minors: The initiatives include a ban on hormonal treatments and medications for minors under 18 years of age undergoing transition processes.
The Parliament of Portugal approved this Friday the first steps to obstruct gender self-determination in the country. With the support of the governing coalition (PSD and CDS-PP) and the Chega party, three bills were passed that reverse established rights, despite the total rejection of the left-wing parties.
The End of Depathologization in the Civil Registry
The vote held in parliament represents a paradigm shift in Portuguese legislation. Until now, anyone over 18 could change their name and gender in the Civil Registry without limitations or medical requirements. However, the bills from the PSD, CDS-PP, and Chega seek to repeal the 2018 regulations and return to the philosophy of the 2011 law.
This change means that, to complete the registration process, it will be strictly necessary to present a medical report certifying a diagnosis of “gender incongruence.” This measure has been harshly criticized by opposition parties, such as the Socialist Party (PS), Livre, Bloco de Esquerda (BE) and the PCP, who believe that it pathologizes trans identities once again.
Severe Restrictions and Exclusion in Public Spaces
The bill presented by Chega goes beyond mere bureaucratic red tape. The party, led by AndrƩ Ventura, proposes a legal ban on minors accessing hormones or drugs intended for gender reassignment, as well as undergoing reassignment surgeries. Furthermore, their proposal seeks to restrict the use of public restrooms, incarceration, and participation in sports competitions based on gender identity.
Meanwhile, the Christian Democrats of the CDS-PP are focusing their efforts on banning hormone treatments for minors under 18, amending the current law to prohibit these medical interventions. Following this initial approval, the initiatives will be debated in a parliamentary committee before a final vote. If ratified, Speaker AntĆ³nio JosĆ© Seguro will have the final say in enacting them or exercising his right to veto.
