The German cabinet on Wednesday, August 23, approved measures aimed at simplifying the process for individuals to legally change their gender. However, these proposals have sparked backlash from feminists, politicians, and even members of the transgender community.
The German cabinet on Wednesday signed off plans to help people change their legal gender more easily, but the proposals have stirred criticism from feminists, politicians and even the trans community.
Under the plans, Germans will be able to change their name or legal gender by making a simple application to their local registry office.
They will not have to give a reason or provide any medical information.
In the case of children under 14, parents will be able to submit the application. Minors over 14 may do it themselves, but only with the consent of their parents.
The law also includes penalties for anyone who “outs” a trans person without their permission.
It will take three months for a gender switch to take effect and no further changes will be allowed for a year.
The legislation, which needs to be signed off by parliament, is intended to replace a law known as the Transsexuals Act dating back to 1980.
Under that law, anyone who wanted to change their legal gender was forced to submit two psychological reports and the final decision lay with a court.
The changes would bring Germany in line with Belgium, Spain, Ireland, Luxembourg and Denmark, which have also passed legislation to make it easier for people to change their legal gender.
However, the plans, first unveiled in March, have led to a backlash from some sections of society.
Politicians from the conservative CDU-CSU have accused the coalition government, the Social Democrats, Greens and pro-business FDP, of going “too far in their extreme and sweeping approach”.
They say anyone who wants to change their gender should consult experts first, and the process should be reserved for adults.
Some women’s rights organisations also fear that predatory men could abuse the new rules to gain easy access to spaces reserved for women and girls.
The planned changes have also stirred up a debate around the fate of transgender people in prisons.
Khalil Wakim, with AFP
