Spain - December 2022

A Constitutional Court ruling has prevented the upper house from debating an amendment to Spain’s penal code on the appointment of judges to judicial bodies, aimed at reducing political stalemate around the procedure. The appeal was brought to the court by the main opposition party, the Popular Party, and represents the first time the Constitutional Court reviews pending legislation since Spain’s 1978 democratic transition (as opposed to legislation that has already been passed). Prime Minister Sánchez accused the Popular Party of effectively paralysing the Parliament. The reform was passed with a solid majority in the lower house, yet the discussion around it has been contributing to political polarisation. The terms of four Constitutional Court judges have expired, three of whom are conservative-leaning, and the bill would ready the way for the government’s nominees to replace them. The reforms would also reduce the maximum sentence for crimes of sedition from 15 to 5 years.

Sources: VoA, Andalou Agency, The Corner

The Parliament passed a bill simplifying the process for citizens to update their gender identities in official documents based on self-declaration, and without any of the onerous screening or evaluation requirements currently required. The bill would do away with requirements for a medical report and proof of hormonal treatment for two years. The bill bans conversion therapy, and further establishes measures for the inclusion of trans people across various sectors of society, including housing, work, and education. In parallel, the Parliament approved an innovative reproductive health law that would make Spain the first European country to permit 16- and 17-year-old girls to access an abortion without parental consent, and offers paid menstrual leave. As a next step, both bills require final approval by the Senate.

Sources: DW, Reuters, Euronews