The Self-Determination Act is being voted on by the Bundestag today. It would make it easier to have your gender and first name officially changed.
The focus is on transgender, intersex and non-binary people. Until now, those affected had to endure a lengthy and expensive procedure with reports and court orders if they wanted to have their gender entry, including their first name, changed. Until 2011, transgender people even had to be sterilized. The current legal situation violates human dignity, says the federal government's queer commissioner, Sven Lehmann. However, it is important to note that a change in gender entry must be reported to the registry office three months in advance. ie. There is a prohibition of outing of people who are not publicly known - i.e. those affected from spreading their previous identity without their consent. Then there is a risk of a fine of up to 10,000 euros, as the law does not apply to them “with the intent to cause harm”.