MPs adopt law simplifying gender change

This text replaces legislation dating from the 1980s which de facto considered transidentity as a psychological illness.

On Friday April 12, German deputies adopted a law simplifying gender change, a vote considered as a “major step” in favor of the rights of the LGBTQ+ community and the modernization of the country. The text, a flagship project of Olaf Scholz’s center-left coalition, nevertheless arouses controversy, particularly in conservative ranks who consider it too liberal.

In the vote in the Bundestag, 374 MPs voted in favor of the law, 251 against and 11 abstained. The law can thus come into force, the Bundesrat, the upper house which brings together representatives of the regions, not having to vote. It replaces legislation dating from the 1980s which de facto considered transidentity as a psychological illness, and which had been partly rejected by the Constitutional Court.

A declaration to the Civil Registry

Germany joins the club of countries which have adopted the principle of self-determination, such as Belgium, Spain, Ireland, Luxembourg and Denmark. “We are thus continuing the modernization of our country. This involves recognizing the realities of life, and making them possible by law”reacted the chancellor in a message on his X account.

From now on, it will be enough to complete a declaration with the civil registry to change your first name and gender. For those under 14, parents or guardians must complete the process; adolescents aged 14 to 18 can do it themselves but with the agreement of their parents. A time for reflection is planned: it is only after three months that the change will be validated in the civil status. A possible request to change gender will only be possible after one year.