The Trans Law of the Valencian Community, approved in 2017 as one of the most advanced in the State, is being dismantled. The recent alliance between the Popular Party and Vox to advance the regional budgets has brought with it an amendment to the Accompaniment Law that rewrites key parts of the original text, especially those that protected trans people against so-called conversion therapies.
Although these practices were explicitly prohibited, it is now clarified: they will only be prohibited if they involve aggression. Otherwise, “professional support” will be allowed to modify gender identity when the person voluntarily requests it. The change, although formulated with some ambiguity, has sparked a wave of criticism among LGTBIQ+ groups, jurists and health professionals.
Rights of trans children, in question
Another of the most controversial modifications directly affects trans minors. From now on, to access gender-affirming treatments, a favorable report from mental health professionals will be required. In addition, mothers and fathers may oppose the process and, in the event of a judicial conflict, may present private reports that must be considered by the court.
This measure raises serious doubts about the self-determination of minors and gives families decisive power over their identities, something that many voices consider regressive and dangerous.
Silence on diversity in the classrooms
The amendments also impact the educational field. From now on, centers will not be able to specifically include sexual and gender diversity in their pedagogical projects. The obligation to prevent discrimination against trans people in the school environment is also eliminated.
This decision is of particular concern to those who see education as a key tool for the prevention of LGTBIQphobia. Without a regulatory framework that protects trans minors, who guarantees their safety in the classrooms?
Protection or covert discrimination?
The new wording of the law also includes an article that requires protection of the privacy of non-trans minors, in relation to the measures adopted in favor of their trans companions. This is a recurring argument in certain political discourses: the idea that guaranteeing rights to some means threatening those of others. But does protecting one really mean harming another?
A front of resistance
The reactions have not been long in coming. Cristina Martínez, LGTBI spokesperson for the PSPV-PSOE, warns that with these measures “rights and lives are put at stake.” For its part, Compromís is already working on an unconstitutionality appeal. For his spokesman, Cesc Roig, this maneuver is “unprecedented barbarism.” Both formations are preparing to fight the legal and political battle.
The Popular Party, for its part, defends that the amendments seek to “clarify” the situation of minors in medical processes and guarantee their “free personal development.” However, they have not given concrete details about their position regarding conversion therapies.
A slippery slope for human rights
Although it is argued that conversion therapies will only be allowed on a voluntary basis, it is worth asking whether freedom can really exist in a context of social, family or religious pressure. Furthermore, these types of interventions are discouraged by organizations such as the UN and WHO, which consider them a form of violence. Can consent justify a practice that violates personal dignity?
The future of the law, pending plenary session
The amendment must still be approved in the plenary session of Les Corts in the coming days, within the legislative package of the budgets for 2025. What is at stake is not only a legal text, but the model of coexistence and respect that the Valencian Community wants to defend.
