Germany Enacts Landmark Law Easing Gender Change Process

The new legislation allows individuals to change their gender with a simple civil declaration, sparking both support and controversy.

The law, effective November 1, allows transgender and non-binary individuals in Germany to change their gender and name through a straightforward civil process.
This legislation replaces a 1981 law that required costly and invasive psychological assessments for gender change approval.
The law is seen as a significant victory for LGBT+ rights, with about 15,000 individuals already pre-registered under the new system.
Critics, particularly from conservative circles, argue the law could be misused and express concerns about its impact on women-only spaces.
The law includes specific provisions for minors, requiring parental consent and psychological consultation for those aged 14 and above.