Santa Cruz de Tenerife 26 Mar. (Europa Press) –
The Vox parliamentary group has introduced a proposal in the Canary Parliament this Wednesday, seeking to abolish the transgender laws in the islands. In her argument, the deputy, Paula Jover, asserted that “the fight from the public is merely propaganda,” stating, “boys have penises and girls have vulvas”: “Nothing will alter the results of any analyses.”
The Vox proposal was unanimously rejected by the parliamentary groups of the Regional Chamber, who defended the rights achieved against Vox’s stance. “In response to their denialism, we advocate for greater rights, more democracy, and increased freedom, recognising the right to exist, to love, and to feel one’s gender identity with complete freedom,” remarked socialist deputy Elena Máñez.
“The results of any analysis will remain unchanged as they will always indicate that a person’s sex is determined by what they were born as. Furthermore, nothing will alter what a forensic anthropologist certifies; upon death, the sex will be classified as male or female based on the chromosomal determination at the beginning of life,” Jover continued during the debate on the proposal.
The deputy emphasised that it is “crucial” not to overlook what she believes to be an “unalterable truth,” one that should not be influenced by “the whims of politics or fashion.” “This is detrimental to minors and women,” she asserted.
Concurrently, Jover highlighted an attempt to “denaturalise” a fundamental aspect of humanity and insisted on the need to combat this “denialism that negates nature itself and the dignity of individuals, which surpasses all other considerations.”
Political Groups United Against
Following her address, Raúl Acosta Armas, echoing similar views, underscored the importance of “history lessons,” noting how “errors are cyclical and, time and again, we repeat them.” “We must unite to continue safeguarding democracy; otherwise, we risk repeating past mistakes,” he urged his fellow parliamentary colleagues.
“The legislation you aim to repeal is, in essence, the Law of Social Equality which addresses discrimination based on gender identity, gender expression, and sexual characteristics. Equality and non-discrimination are two concepts that, I know, may cause you discomfort. To alleviate that discomfort, allow me to suggest a remedy – respect,” Acosta added.
Melodie Mendoza, representing the Gomera Socialist Group, expressed her “pride” in collaborating with LGTBI colleagues to support the passage of Canarian law, which “did not originate from any political entity, but rather from the collective itself.”
She recalled a time when the “suffering and terror” faced by transgender individuals was overlooked, lamenting that the Vox proposal reflects a significant degree of ignorance. “I encourage you to engage with the community and understand their realities more intimately,” she stated.
Mendoza took the opportunity to clarify that the Canarian electorate of Vox had already asserted that the legislative framework “will not revoke any existing laws; rather, this law aims to rectify inequalities which are entirely unjust to any human being in the year 2025.”
Carmen Rosa Hernández from Nueva Canarias cautioned against forming alliances “with extreme right factions,” alluding to pacts made with the party in the Canary Islands. “I mention this because while we today condemn Vox’s conduct and their intransigence, which seeks to divide our society and strip the LGTBIQ+ population of their rights, we also find ourselves in a position where we can govern alongside them,” she stated.
Luz Reverón from the Popular Parliament Group highlighted the necessity of the transgender law to ensure “legal dignity and equal opportunities for individuals, irrespective of their gender identity.” She reminded the deputies of the mixed group that “legislation should not impose personal beliefs, but rather guarantee rights; dignity and liberation should not be debated but rather defended.”
The Canary Coalition parliamentary group, represented by José Manuel Bermúdez, chastised Vox for their “ignorance” and for perpetuating “suffering, marginalisation, and discrimination” with the proposed law. “What you present lacks a legal foundation, relying on subjective opinions without empirical data. It serves only to roll back the progress we have made.”
Elena Máñez from the Socialist Group reminded Vox, “In response to their denialism, we call for more rights, more democracy, and more freedom, recognising the right to exist, to love, and to experience one’s gender identity with full freedom.” “You seem nostalgic for the Franco dictatorship when homosexuals were persecuted and condemned to forced labour, as witnessed here in Tefía.”
