Common Sense Prevails: Portugal Bans Gender Transition for Minors
Portugal has reversed its progressive gender self-identification law, banning gender transition treatments for minors and requiring clinical approval, sparking controversy amid ongoing global debates.
In a move that radically changes the landscape of progressive policies in Europe, the Assembly of the Republic in Portugal has voted to repeal the law on gender self-identification.
Return to clinical documentation
This decision was made following intense political debate, with the support of the Chega, PSD and CDS-PP parties. According to the new legal framework, citizens’ legal identity must now be supported by clinical expertise, ending the practice that André Ventura’s party described as an extreme ideological experiment against the Portuguese people.
Protecting minors from irreversible interventions
A central pillar of the reform is ensuring parental rights and protecting the nuclear family, as highlighted during the process.
The new legislation imposes a universal ban on the use of puberty blockers and hormone therapies for minors. Portugal thus chooses to protect young people from medical decisions with permanent consequences before they reach maturity.
Yet, this shift in Portugal comes at a time when the discussion over gender transition remains at the forefront of the international agenda, provoking reactions both domestically and abroad.
