Germany Simplified Civil Gender Change
Bundestag Passes Progressive Legislation
The German Bundestag has recently passed a significant law that eases the process of changing one’s gender in civil records, marking a substantial step forward for LGBT+ rights in Europe. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz supported the initiative, stating that it shows respect for transgender, intersex, and non-binary individuals and contributes to the modernization of Germany by legally acknowledging their realities. The legislation, proposed by Scholz’s center-left coalition, received a majority of 374 votes in favor, against 251 opposing votes and 11 abstentions, and did not require a vote from the Bundesrat.
New Procedures for Gender Change
Under the new German law, changing one’s name and gender is now a matter of making a simple declaration at the civil registration office. For children under 14, the process must be carried out by their parents or legal guardians. Adolescents aged 14 to 18 can initiate this process themselves, though parental consent is required. A three-month reflection period is mandated before the change is officially registered. A subsequent change of gender can only be requested after a year.
Positive Reactions to the Reform
The reform has been met with enthusiasm from various human rights advocates, such as Claude Beier from Amnesty International, who praised it as a significant advancement in the legal recognition of gender. Sven Lehmann, the German government’s commissioner for sexual and gender diversity acceptance, recalled the injustices associated with the previous law, which included extreme measures like forced sterilizations and divorces. He expressed relief that these practices are now a thing of the past, placing Germany among European nations that advocate for self-determination in gender identity, such as Spain and Denmark. The question now arises as to when France will follow suit, with increasing calls to accelerate this process.
English 
Español