The controversial “trans law” and the prostitution They are the axes that separate feminism in Spain and the main reason why tomorrow, International Women's Day, we will see again a division image. Thus, there will be two large demonstrations that will take place through the streets of Madrid this March 8. The first of them, the official one, summoned by the 8M Commission (similar to the postulates of former minister Irene Montero), will depart at 7:00 p.m. from Atocha and end in Colón. Your motto? “Patriarchy, Genocides, Privileges #SeAcabó”. At the same time, but from Cibeles, the demonstration led by the Madrid Feminist Movement, which will close its tour in Plaza de España. The representatives of the so-called “classical feminism” They will take to the streets under the slogan “Prostitution is not a job. Abolition now!”
Although it should be noted that both mobilizations share positions, such as the denunciation of the Israeli genocide against the Palestinian population or the end of the commodification of bodies and surrogacy, they do not agree on the so-called “trans law”. At the time, even before its approval in Congress, dozens of feminist organizations throughout Spain expressed their rejection because, as they argued, the law promoted by the Ministry of Equality represents a “regression in the protection” of women's rights. , as the CGPJ also explained. In the opinion of these groups, who even went so far as to ask for Montero's resignation, The “trans law erases the struggle of women” and “ignores and despises” them.
Among the greatest exponents of this historical feminism was the socialist leader Carmen Calvo, current president of the Council of State. The former vice president of the Government abstained on two occasions in the Lower House, thus showing her rejection of the law promoted by the then Minister of Equality, Irene Montero. A law that It did have the explicit support of the PSOE. Mythical were the scuffles between Calvo and Montero, over the “trans law” and the controversial Law of “only yes means yes”which allowed the release and reduced sentences of hundreds of sexual offenders.
Controversy with the “locative third”
Thus, while the 8M Commission defends this “trans law”, classical feminists cry out against them. It should be noted that this rule, among other issues, allows people to change their sex in the civil registry without having to take hormones and, from the age of 16, without any permission (neither parental nor judicial). The only requirement is the will expressed by the interested party.
The other hot point in this mobilization is the debate on prostitution. While historical feminism cries out for its total abolition, the 8M Commission advocates regulating it and opens itself to debate. It must be remembered that One of the most controversial points of the Law of “only yes means yes” was the so-called “locative third party.” A figure that the PSOE wanted to introduce in this norm and that implied penalizing the owners of establishments that profit from prostitution.
However, the Government partners of Pedro Sanchez They did not agree with this point, since, in their opinion, the crime of “third location” put people who practice prostitution at risk. Thus, they argued that the criminalization of this type of behavior had shown very harmful effects such as the clandestinization of the activity, worse working conditions or problems in accessing housing, among others. Finally, this crime was not included in the law.
Which one will the Minister of Equality go to?
At this point and with the two demonstrations underway, the question was which of them the current Minister of Equality would go to, Ana Redondo. Faithful to that conciliatory tone, with which he took office, and with the aim of closing wounds in favor of “unity”, he has stated that “the important thing is not that there is one demonstration, two or fifty. The important thing is that we come out “women and men take to the streets demanding 8M, equality.”
However, Redondo has made it clear that both she and her party (PSOE), will attend the march organized in Madrid by the 8M Commission, which is where “they have been historically present.” Of course, he has shown his desire that the two marches can meet: “Hopefully at some point along the way we can meet and be together demanding.”