The Spanish Evangelical Alliance (AEE) has strongly criticised a new bill that could see pastors and counsellors imprisoned for helping people who want support to leave a homosexual lifestyle or align their gender identity with their biological sex.
Backed by multiple parties, Spain’s lower house approved the first stage of an amendment that would make “conversion therapies” illegal, with prison sentences of six months to two years for anyone found offering them, as reported by a congress press release.
The AEE argues the proposals misrepresent legitimate pastoral care and personal support as harmful “conversion therapy”.
The Alliance said: “The pattern is repeated: first the concept is distorted… finally imposing penalties intimidating prison sentences.”
They argued that real pastoral support is not about manipulation: “They only seek to help those who ask for it in freedom.”
The Alliance also warned that the law would create double standards, supporting transitions in one direction but punishing those who want to de-transition: “The regulations impose a moral criterion… some are rewarded and promoted, and others are penalised.”
If passed by the Senate, the bill could see pastors, parents or professionals face jail time for supporting anyone wanting help to change. The AEE says it will stand for conscience and freedom of belief, urging parliamentarians to vote with respect for fundamental rights.