News Trending

According to a recent report by Spain’s ombudsman, more than 200,000 children have reportedly suffered sexual abuse at the hands of Catholic clergy in Spain. The ombudsman, Angel Gabilondo, expressed deep concern over the “devastating impact” this has had on the victims. He criticized the Church for its silence and attempts to conceal or deny the abuse, emphasizing that this silence has facilitated such atrocities.

The comprehensive 700-page report, commissioned by Spain’s Congress last year, was based on a survey of 800,000 members of the public. The findings indicated that approximately 0.6% of the adult population, roughly 39 million people, reported experiencing sexual abuse as children by clergy members. When allegations of abuse by lay individuals in Church-run institutions were included, this percentage rose to 1.13%, accounting for over 400,000 people.

Mr. Gabilondo urged caution in interpreting these numbers and highlighted the emotional toll detailed in the statements of more than 487 abuse survivors. The report called for urgent action to address the suffering that has long been concealed by a pervasive culture of silence.

In response to these findings, the ombudsman proposed the establishment of a state-funded compensation program for victims of abuse. The investigation was initiated following an earlier inquiry by the El Pais newspaper in 2018, which had already cataloged over 1,000 alleged cases of abuse. Although the Church partially cooperated with the commission, Mr. Gabilondo noted their lack of active engagement and the resistance of certain bishops in collaborating with the inquiry.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez hailed the report as a “milestone” in the nation’s democracy, stressing that it has brought to light a reality that had long been known but not openly discussed.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

A transgender rights measure has been passed in Spain, enabling anyone 16 years of age or older to change their ID card’s gender. With 188 votes in favour and 150 votes against, it was adopted. It will now go to the Senate for final approval.

The left-leaning Podemos party, which is a partner in the coalition government with Pedro Sánchez’s Socialist party, has worked to bring about the change. The bill has caused disagreement among feminists in Spain, with some claiming it could weaken women’s rights.

If approved, anyone over the age of 16 will be able to change their gender, but they must affirm it three months later. Applicants must be 12 years of age or older in some circumstances.

Until recently, applicants had to provide documentation of hormonal treatment for two years and a medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria, which is the sense that one’s biological sex does not match their gender identity. Minors also needed parental consent.

Irene Montero, the minister of equality and a member of the Podemos party, claimed during the discussion that the law “de-pathologizes” trans persons and protects their rights.

“Trans women are women,” said Ms Montero, who has strongly advocated for gender self-identification and criticised opposition to the law as “transphobia”.Members of Mr. Sánchez’s Socialist party have criticised the bill, dividing the nation’s female movement and exposing divisions within the ruling coalition.

Critics claim that because it permits men who self-identify as women to play women’s sports or want to be transferred to women’s prisons, the rule could be abused and pose a threat to women’s rights. Concerns have also been expressed regarding children’ ability to choose their own gender.

Ireland, Denmark, Norway, Portugal, Switzerland, and nine other European nations have previously established self-declaration methods for recognising gender legally. The Scottish parliament recently supported a law that would make it simpler for people to change their legal gender, which brings about the Spanish action.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Politics

Paving the way for the formation of a coalition government, the biggest separatist party based in Catalonia has extended its support to Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.

The move has end the deadlock under which Spain was brought by an inconclusive election result.

The support means Spain can no longer look the question of the independence of Catalonia with disrespect.

At this moment, it remains unclear the new coalition government will agree to conduct a formal Catalan independence referendum.

Earlier, an informal referendum conducted by the regional government in Catalonia was supported hugely by the people of the region.

It even paved the way for the emergence of a confrontation between the regional government in Catalonia and the central government.

Meanwhile, another big question that remains is whether the destiny of the punished Catalonian separatist leader will be overturned.

Several Catalonian leaders have been punished severely as the central government has chosen not to take a lenient stand in the independence issue.

Catalonia is a rich territory in Spain. Its culture is a bit different from that of the rest of the country. A considerable number of Catalonians want to be identified with Catalonia than with Spain.

Anyway, the new political development in Spain is a big boost to the Catalonian separatist movement.


Photo Courtesy: Google/ images are subject to copyright