Penalties and prevention
The law set base penalties of up to three years in prison or a fine, and up to five years for interventions producing irreversible bodily changes. Certain aggravating circumstances could increase these penalties. It also required the government to initiate a study within one year and promote awareness among families and communities. Procedures supporting gender self-determination in accordance with the applicable law and professional standards remained outside the prohibition. [1]
ILGA Portugal calls for further progress
On 20 March 2024, ILGA Portugal described the prohibition as an important human-rights achievement. In its discussion of ILGA-Europe’s annual review, the organisation also highlighted remaining work in healthcare, parental rights, migration and asylum, alongside growing hostility towards LGBT communities.
European monitoring follows
In a report published on 18 June 2025, the Council of Europe’s anti-racism commission ECRI included the ban among Portugal’s legal advances. The report also urged stronger action against anti-LGBTI bullying in schools and hate speech.