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On 1 November 2024, a new law came into force in Germany that greatly simplified the gender reassignment procedure, causing heated debate in society but receiving a positive response from the LGBT+ community. From now on, to change one’s name and gender, it is enough to submit a simple declaration of marital status to the local civil registry office, and after three months, if desired, choose one of four options: female, male, other or “no mention of gender,” RFI reports.
This law, known as the “self-determination law”, was an important step towards the recognition of human rights and sexual diversity in the country. At a press conference, Bundestag member Naike Slavik, one of the two transgender members of parliament, emphasised the significance of this day for the LGBT+ community. “This is a historic day for Germany, which allows people to live in accordance with their true selves,” she said.
This law abolished the previous one, which had been in place since 1981 and required a lengthy and costly procedure, including two psychological reports. Now, according to officials, the new procedure will significantly reduce bureaucratic barriers and make life easier for many people.
However, the law was not without criticism. Representatives of conservative parties, such as KSS member Dorothy Bar, accused the government of creating an “ideological project” that allegedly threatens women’s safety, especially in the context of access to women’s spaces. However, Slavik assured that the new legal provisions would not lead to an increase in violence against women.
A YouGov poll found that a majority of Germans (47%) support the new law, while 37% oppose it. Despite the political debate, this legislation is an important step towards ensuring human rights and creating a fairer society for all.
