Spanish Congress Approves Prison Sentences for Conversion Therapy

The Congress of Deputies of Spain has approved a bill introducing criminal liability for conducting conversion therapy. Under the new amendments to the Penal Code, such actions will be punishable by six months to two years in prison, along with fines and professional disqualification.

Conversion therapy refers to practices aimed at changing a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. These practices were already banned in Spain and punished with administrative fines. The new law classifies them as criminal offenses, and liability applies even if the individual consented to undergo the procedures.

Representatives of LGBT organizations supported the passage of the law. Paula Iglesias, president of the Spanish LGBTQ+ Federation (FELGTBI+), stated that this decision would help protect the dignity of people subjected to such practices.

To fully enter into force, the bill must be approved by the Spanish Senate.

Earlier in June, a similar ban on conversion therapy for minors and vulnerable adults was approved by the Dutch Senate. In addition, in May, the European Commission called on all EU member states to ban conversion therapy practices.

Source: El País