Spain is moving towards the criminalization of the so-called “conversion therapies” and the new law against conversion therapies. The Congress of Deputies has given the green light to the processing of a proposed organic law promoted by the PSOE, which seeks to punish with prison those who promote or practice these methods, aimed at modifying a person’s sexual orientation, identity or gender expression.
With the support of all parliamentary groups except Vox, the Lower House thus opens the legislative debate on a practice that, although widely discredited by science and human rights, still survives today in certain environments under different masks.
What the law proposes: jail, fines and disqualification
The proposal seeks to include in the Penal Code penalties of six months to two years in prison for those who apply these “correction” methods, whether psychological, physical, pharmacological or of another nature. In the most serious cases—when the victim is a minor, there is violence, a power relationship or profit motive—the sentence could be extended to the upper half.
In addition, the rule includes professional disqualification of up to five years for those who practice in educational, sports or leisure fields. legal entities, such as organizations or associations, would also face financial sanctions, suspension of activities or even dissolution, if their involvement in these practices is proven.
Conversion therapies: a violence that persists
“Forcing someone to hate themselves, to tear away their identity, is a form of torture,” said socialist deputy Víctor Gutiérrez in plenary. From the podium, he denounced that there are still families, religious figures, supposed therapists and ‘coaches’ who promise to eliminate sexual or gender diversity with methods ranging from prayers to medical treatments without a scientific basis.
Parties such as Bildu, ERC, Podemos and Sumar have agreed to point out these practices as “torture” or “attack on human dignity.” The PNV, for its part, directly described them as an “aberration.”
Broad support, but not unanimous
The procedure has had wide support, but also criticism. Some groups have criticized the PSOE for its rejection of a previous, more comprehensive proposal, presented in February, which not only penalized these practices, but also included measures for the reparation of victims. The new initiative arrives now, in the midst of Pride Month, something that has not gone unnoticed.
From the PP, Jaime Miguel de los Santos stated that “defending LGTBI rights is defending the rights of the entire society,” although he accused the left of building “ideological walls.” Vox, the only party against, described the law as a “legal aberration” and denounced that it violates freedom of thought and religion.
Sufficient legal progress?
The processing of this law is, without a doubt, a significant step. But it leaves open questions: what concrete mechanisms will be applied to identify these often covert practices? How will minors be protected in family or religious environments? Will there be effective reparation for victims who have already suffered these abuses?
There is also concern about the possible evidentiary difficulty. Many of these “therapies” present themselves as spiritual advice, coaching or medical help, which can make them difficult to criminalize. Additionally, the lack of diversity training within the judicial and healthcare systems remains a structural barrier.
The future law against conversion therapies marks a clear direction: diversity cannot be cured because it is not a disease. But there is still a way to go to ensure that no one, under any pretext, has to deny who they are. Not today, not ever.
