Congress takes first step to eliminate the word 'handicapped' from the Constitution

Congress approved this Tuesday, in an extraordinary plenary session, the taking into consideration of the proposal to reform article 49 of the Constitution to eliminate the diminished term, by 315 votes in favor and 33 abstentions, those of the Vox parliamentary group.

Oliver Thansan
Oliver Thansan
15 January 2024 Monday 21:22
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Congress takes first step to eliminate the word 'handicapped' from the Constitution

Congress approved this Tuesday, in an extraordinary plenary session, the taking into consideration of the proposal to reform article 49 of the Constitution to eliminate the diminished term, by 315 votes in favor and 33 abstentions, those of the Vox parliamentary group.

The processing of the text through the emergency procedure has also been approved, with the ultra party voting against. That is, by single reading and without going through the presentation and commission phases. Something that, in practice, reduces deadlines by half.

From now on, the period for amendments opens, which will be debated this Thursday, January 18, whether in their entirety with alternative text or partial amendments to modify the articles. And, immediately afterwards, the initiative will be sent for approval and then sent to the Senate.

However, and despite the amendments proposed by some groups, the agreement personally sealed by the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, and the leader of the opposition, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, does not foresee accepting changes in other articles.

Apart from the replacement of the term handicapped by the expression "people with disabilities", the reform will include the obligation of public powers to "carry out the necessary policies to guarantee full personal autonomy and social inclusion" of the group, as well as special attention to minors. and women with disabilities.

Furthermore, the second point will state: “The public powers will promote policies that guarantee the full personal autonomy and social inclusion of people with disabilities, in universally accessible environments. Likewise, they will encourage the participation of their organizations, in the terms established by law. The specific needs of women and minors with disabilities will be particularly addressed.”