Andorra LGTBIQA+ Law Stalls as Term Ends, Diversand Cites Indifference

Diversand, Andorra's leading LGTBIQA+ advocacy group, has warned that a proposed comprehensive LGTBIQA+ law will not pass before the current legislative term ends, citing a lack of political will as the main obstacle.

The organisation presented its proposal to the government several months ago, but officials indicated there was no time to process it before the mandate concludes. Isabella Vargas, Diversand's vice-president, described encountering "almost absolute indifference" from authorities, speaking ahead of the International Day Against LGBTIQA+phobia. Despite this setback, the group plans to keep pressing for progress in the coming months, hoping for at least a commitment to begin work on the legislation.

Vargas highlighted Spain as a nearby model, noting its leading position in reports like the Rainbow Map, and argued that adapting similar tools to Andorra's context would be an opportunity not to miss. The group calls for the law to establish specific protocols, educational measures, and protections against discrimination, as current responses often rely on individual knowledge or goodwill.

Andorra ranks 23rd out of 49 European countries in the 2026 Rainbow Map by ILGA-Europe, scoring 43% on LGBTIQA+ rights and public policies—a figure that reflects progress from 21% in 2013 but reveals ongoing gaps. These include protections against hate crimes, educational inclusion, institutional support, rights for LGBTIQA+ refugees, and access to reproductive rights and assisted reproduction for lesbian women. The report also notes broader European backsliding, with rising discriminatory rhetoric and restrictions.

While acknowledging social and educational advances, such as a recent CASS healthcare regulation for trans people and sessions at Andorra School in Santa Coloma, Diversand reports persistent issues. These range from workplace transphobia and family concealment to mental health declines, job instability, and economic precarity exacerbated by discrimination. Some individuals leave the country to live freely as themselves, Vargas said, underscoring the need for official studies and institutional action rather than relying solely on association support for severe cases.

The group draws inspiration from recent housing crisis protests to build collective mobilisation, aiming for an Andorra where LGTBIQA+ people feel free at home.