Strike at the LGBT community in Madrid: the local government eliminates the concept of gender identity

The Assembly of the Spanish Autonomous Community of Madrid approved this Friday the modification of the LGTBi laws in its area, in accordance with an electoral commitment of the regional president, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, with which the concept of “gender identity” is eliminated.

It is also added psychological support for minors in gender change processes. Thanks to the absolute majority of Ayuso’s party, the PP, and with the support of the far-right party Vox, this new text was presented in the last plenary session of the year, which closed the session with this controversial change.

It has been rejected by the Más Madrid and PSOE parties, by LGTBI associations and even by the Ministry of Equality, which has already announced that it will study “measures” in case they conflict with the national norm.

Specific, The reform modifies some aspects of the law on gender identity and expression, social equality and non-discrimination of the Community of Madrid in 2016, approved during the mandate of the then popular leader Cristina Cifuentes, in which the PP abstained.

Among other changes, the concept of “gender identity” is eliminated to talk about “sexual condition or expression” and the inversion of the burden of proof is canceled (obligation of the legal system according to which the whistleblower must prove the failure to comply with the law) or the hypothesis that discrimination is committed “by mistake”, believing that it may violate the presumption of innocence.

Therefore, in the changes to the Transregional Law, the right defends that these changes seek to guarantee them “psychological support in a transparent and clear way”, from the appropriate professionals.

Moreover, educational articles are eliminated to promote non-discrimination or the recognition of freely expressed gender identity and provides, among other things, the obligation for a pediatrician to carry out a prior visit to the transition treatment of a minor.

Spain is considered one of the safest countries for the LGTBi population and last February the National Trans Law was approved, which gave greater coverage and protection to this vulnerable and discriminated against population throughout the world.

“Hands stained with blood”

After the approval of the changes to the regional law, the LGTBi associations and groups, who have demonstrated in recent weeks and followed the debate from the guest gallery of the Chamber, showed their hands with red gloves, symbolizing that the ruling People’s Party he has “blood on his hands”.

At the beginning of the day, fifty people, members of trade unions and LGTBI associations, went to the entrance of the Chamber to protest against these changes approved on the same day as the 2024 Budget and the modification of 15 regulatory texts that concern Madrid Radio Television Law, Chamber of Accounts and Transparency Council, harshly criticized by the opposition.

The debate was watched from the balconies of the legislature’s guests by members of these organizations. They warn that they will mobilize against the changes.