A Spanish woman who identifies as a man and plans to undergo a sex-change operation has been refused permission to be a godparent of her nephew.
Bishop Rafael Zornoza Boy of Cadiz and Cueta determined that Alex Salinas, 21, cannot be a baptismal sponsor because of canonical requirements that a sponsor live in accordance with the faith.
The bishop said Salinas’s parish priest was “kind and understanding” in conveying this to her, adding that the priest assured her she could still spiritually encourage and help the child in living the faith.
Salinas said that the parish priest was initially receptive to having her be the child’s godfather, but later changed his mind after contacting the diocese.
There have been questions as to whether the bishop’s ruling infringes national hate-crimes law.