Spain climbs in European ranking for LGBTQ+ rights after recent 'trans law'

Spain has climbed six positions in ILGA-Europe's ranking of LGBTQ+ rights, and now sits in 4th place in the ranking. 

The climb is largely explained by the recent 'trans law' passed by the Spanish government, which eliminates the previous requirements – two years of hormone therapy and a medical report – to change gender registered on ID. 

The law passed in February states anyone aged 16 or over only needs to submit a request to the registry to change gender, which must be ratified three months later. The legislation endorsed by the progressive majority in congress recognizes the free self-determination of gender for those over the age of 16 and extends it to 14- to 16-year-olds with parental consent.  

The law also expressly prohibits conversion therapy that aims to change people's sexual orientation or gender identity. 

Despite Spain complying with most of the measures assessed by ILGA-Europe's index, the group points out recognizing the paternity and maternity of transgender people is still pending.

Malta are top of the ranking for the 8th consecutive year, followed by Belgium and Denmark.

Belgium won extra points compared to last year's ranking for recognizing aggression against gender identity and sexual characteristics in the criminal code, while Denmark ranked third for its action plan for equality.

At the bottom of the ranking are Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, and Armenia.