Santa Cruz de Tenerife 26 Mar. (Europa Press) –
The Coordinator of LGTBIQA+ Entities of the Canary Islands has expressed delight on Wednesday that “the political and social majority” within the islands demonstrate “a solid consensus” in favour of the trans and intersex legislation enacted in the prior parliamentary session, following the rejection today by political factions of the Parliament to Vox’s proposition to repeal the regulations.
“All political groups have endorsed the preservation of the law, isolating the far-right in their efforts to overturn a text that represents the most significant advancement in the rights of trans and intersex individuals in the history of the Canary Islands,” the organisations emphasised in a statement.
The signing associations include Altihay Fuerteventura; Apertura; Walking intersex; Canarypride; Canary Chrysallis; Diverse; Gama; Launches; Lánzate; Libertrans and Violets La Palma.
Collectively, they have underscored the significance of “has had and has” Law 2/2021, dated June 7, “for thousands of individuals in the archipelago, who have experienced how, thanks to it, their lives have begun to become more dignified, just, and joyful.” Thus, they emphasised the “enormous progress” achieved through the commitment of organised civil society, LGTBIQA+ activism, and the “steadfastness of political parties,” which today voted against the NLP.
“They opted to side with human rights: dignifying and endorsing with their affirmative vote the comprehensive trans and intersex law of the Canary Islands, thereby providing legal certainty to the individuals we represent and whose rights we are obliged to safeguard,” they added.
Collaborative Effort
They cautioned that the trans and intersex law of the Canary Islands is the fruit of “extensive coordinated efforts” between activism and governmental institutions, and reminded that it guarantees the legal recognition of the gender identity of trans individuals, allowing them to exist in a society that “has marginalised them and stripped them of their dignity.”
Furthermore, they noted that it ensures the physical and mental integrity of intersex individuals, outlawing forced and coercive medical procedures such as genital mutilation in infants and intersex children until they possess the capacity to make their own choices.
“The legal framework also serves as a crucial tool to provide access to specific and essential healthcare services for both physical and emotional well-being, which is adversely impacted by the repercussions of discrimination faced by trans and intersex individuals,” the group of organisations argued.
The entities work to prevent discrimination against those whose gender identity and sexual characteristics are not recognised, aiding in reducing instances of bullying towards transitions and intersex individuals, with a vision of increasing inclusive sexual diversity.
“The Trans and Intersex Law of the Canary Islands is a landmark achievement, serving as a legislative instrument that establishes measures to safeguard trans and intersex individuals from violence and harassment. Additionally, it paves the way for equal opportunities in employment, education, and other fields for trans and intersex individuals,” they cautioned.
They have emphasised the importance of providing “protection” to a fundamental statute that, bolstered by complementary state legislation, enables the self-determination of trans and intersex individuals, empowering them to make decisions regarding their bodies and lives without facing questioning or institutional discrimination.
The Coordinator of the entities explained that this legislative instrument also offers assistance and resources to the families of trans and intersex individuals to “ease the journey toward self-determination, aiding parents in comprehending the experiences of their children and adolescents.”
Moreover, in the advice and support provided to families and intersex children, “the autonomy, physical integrity, and sexual characteristics of the intersex individual are respected at all times.”
“The Canary Islands can and should continue to be a reference point,” the groups stated. “In the previous legislative session, all political parties in the Canary Islands demonstrated vision, dignity, and a historical perspective to achieve a consensus that we must strive to uphold,” added representatives from the LGTBIQ+ coordinator.
They assert that the law positions the Canary Islands as an autonomous “reference” community in defending LGTBIQA+ and Trans* human rights* against a “reactionary” minority intent on reviving “stigma, prejudice, and inequalities of the past, which contradict democratic values, equality, and the dignity of all individuals.”
