Spain has passed a transgender rights bill allowing anyone 16 years old or over to change their gender on their ID card.
It was approved after 188 senate members voted for and 150 agains it.
However, the bill has divided Spain’s feminist lobby, as critics warn that it could erode women’s rights.
If passed, the bill will allow anyone from age of 16 to change their gender, which they must then confirm three months later.
READ ALSO: BEDC Raises Alarm Over Missing Prepaid Meters, Staff Declared Wanted
Those aged 12 and over can also apply but under certain conditions.
Before the bill, applicants were required to provide a medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria – feeling a mismatch between one’s biological sex and their gender identity – and proof of hormonal treatment for two years.
Minors, however, needed judicial approval to become transgenders.
During the debate, Equality Minister Irene Montero said the law “de-pathologises” trans lives and guarantees trans people’s rights.
The minister who has strongly advocated for gender self-identification and criticised opposition to the law as “transphobia” said, “Trans women are women.”
