Portugal moves to ban legal gender change for minors
Portuguese Parliament. Photo: AFP
On March 20, 2026, the country’s Assembly approved changes to the 2018 gender self-determination law, European Conservative reports. The new provisions restore a requirement for medical certification in legal gender recognition, replacing the previous self-identification principle.
The decision followed extended parliamentary debate and received the support of a majority of lawmakers.
The legislation places particular emphasis on minors. It introduces a full ban on legal gender change, as well as on the use of puberty blockers and hormone therapy for individuals under 18.
At the same time, LGBT groups criticized the changes, warning they could restrict the rights of transgender and intersex people, while supporters of the reform describe it as a step aimed at protecting children and parental rights.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that in the United States, authorities were barred from removing children from parents who do not recognize their child’s “gender transition.”
Read also
OCA Primate expresses support for Met. Onuphry after strike on Kyiv Lavra
Metropolitan Tikhon condemned the military attacks on the ancient monastery and assured the UOC flock of unity and constant prayer.
Catholic bishop receives “blessing” from rabbi in synagogue in USA
Roman Catholic Church hierarch Mark Brennan, known for supporting blessings for gay couples, took part in a Jewish rite before retiring.
MFA accuses UNESCO of weakness over statement on Lavra
Ukraine's Foreign Ministry called it "absurd" that the international organization refused to directly name the perpetrator of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra shelling.
Zelensky discusses strike on Lavra with Patriarch Bartholomew
Volodymyr Zelensky and the Ecumenical Patriarch discussed possible formats for personal meetings.
Europe sees a record number of arson attacks on Christian churches
Human rights advocates from the organization OIDAC Europe have published a report on hate crimes against Christians.
Pope calls on Europeans to respect the dignity of migrants
The pontiff called helping refugees the main duty of the Church.