The German parliament is expected to vote on and pass a new self-determination law that would make the legal gender change process easier for transgender, intersex and non-binary people. Currently, individuals must obtain expert assessments and a court decision under the outdated Transsexual Law.
The new law would allow adults to change their name and gender at registry offices without further requirements after notifying them 3 months in advance.
“We finally want to make it easier,” transgender lawmaker Nyke Slawik said. “Many other countries have gone this way, and Germany is simply following suit in significantly simplifying this registration.”
Minors 14 and older could do so with parental approval or a family court ruling.
Younger children’s parents would apply on their behalf. Only one change would be allowed per year.
The new rules focus on legal identity and do not involve medical transition requirements.
Proponents say it will save people over a year of effort and costs. Other countries like Spain have also passed laws simplifying legal gender recognition recently.