German MPs adopted a law on Friday simplifying gender change. 374 MPs voted in favor of the law, 251 against and 11 abstained.
It replaces legislation dating from the 1980s which de facto considered transidentity as a psychological illness. Germany joins the club of countries which have adopted the principle of self-determination, such as Belgium, Spain, Ireland, Luxembourg and Denmark. The Chancellor Olaf Scholz reacted in a message on his X account: "We are thus continuing the modernization of our country. This involves recognizing the realities of life, and making them possible by law" 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. 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.