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Germany’s Self-Determination Law at One Year Shows Broad Uptake, Continued Controversy

Officials say simplified registry procedures have brought broad relief to trans, intersex, non-binary people.

Overview

  • More than 22,000 people have changed their legal gender entry since the law took effect on November 1, 2024, according to preliminary federal data.
  • In the Kassel district, local registry offices handled 90 applications over the first year, illustrating steady use outside major cities.
  • A constitutional complaint has been filed challenging aspects of the law, while legal scholars question how authorities can prove gross misuse under a declaration-based system.
  • The government has set a formal evaluation by July 31, 2026, and officials note monthly change numbers have trended downward since January 2025.
  • Under the law, changes are made by declaration at registry offices after a customary three-month wait, limited to once per year, with options for male, female, diverse or no entry, special rules for minors, and potential cross-border recognition problems for dual nationals.