Overview
- The Congreso de los Diputados approved the PSOE-sponsored measure on June 25 with 178 votes in favor, 138 abstentions from the PP and 32 against from Vox.
- The draft adds a new Penal Code offence punishable by six months to two years in prison plus fines for anyone who applies conversion methods, and the text says penalties apply even if the victim or their legal guardian consented.
- The bill raises penalties for aggravating factors such as a victim under 18, use of violence or abuse of power, group or organizational involvement, or profit, and it adds a separate three- to five-year ban on working with minors beyond any prison term.
- Supporters, including Equality Minister Ana Redondo, framed the change as closing a gap left by the 2023 ley trans, which treated conversion practices as administrative infractions but produced few enforcement actions despite 23 complaints to the Ministry of Equality.
- The text now goes to the Senate where the PP has signalled it will seek clarifications or amendments to address legal definitions and drafting concerns, and campaign groups say the change could expand real protections for LGTBI+ people and minors.