On Friday April 12, 2024, the Bundestag adopted the reform of gender legislation. From November onwards, it will be enough to make a simple declaration to the town hall to change your first name and opt for masculine, feminine, miscellaneous or no indication.
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During the vote on the text, the flagship project of Olaf Scholz’s center-left coalition, in the Bundestag, 374 deputies 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.
Who wants to change gender Germany had to present himself before two psychiatrists, a humiliating and costly procedure, notes Sven Lehmann, responsible for gender issues for the government, speaking to our correspondent in Berlin, Nathalie Versieux : “ The most important thing in my eyes in the new law is the fact that the compulsory opinion of psychiatrists is abolished. People who want to register their true gender in civil status, transgender people for example, are no longer treated as if they were sick, but respected for who they are. The overwhelming majority of the population will never use this law. But it makes the life of a very small minority easier and more dignified. »
Conservative concerns about young people
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 through the law », Reacted the chancellor, in a message on his X account.
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The law is far from unanimous, particularly because of its section on minors. For children under 14, parents or guardians must complete the process. Teenagers aged 14 to 18 can do it themselves, but with their parents’ consent. From the age of 14, a teenager will be able to change their gender, in the event of disagreement with their parents, by requesting a family affairs judge.
“ It’s an age where everyone, we only have to remember their own puberty, is struggling with their own identity, argues Mareike Wulf, Christian Democrat MP, who is against the law. We are very worried that if adolescents embark on this process, without being really informed, without the State really looking at what is happening, that very serious decisions will be made, which could be regretted later. »
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.
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