Germany's new self-id law simplifies gender changes
In Germany, transgender, intersex, or non-binary individuals have the option to designate their gender as female, male, or "diverse." According to "Deutsche Welle," the new law has been warmly welcomed, although there are still critics.
From November, adults in Germany can change their name and gender on official documents, or completely remove gender designation under the new self-determination law. "Deutsche Welle" reports that, under the new regulations, individuals can now easily align their name with their gender identity.
It should be noted that three months must pass between submitting the application and making the declaration at the civil registry office. Expert opinions and court proceedings, previously mandatory, are no longer required.
Children under the age of 14 cannot independently make such a declaration. Their parents can do it on their behalf, provided the child consents and appears in person at the civil registry office.
Meanwhile, youth over the age of 14 have the right to independently submit the required declaration, but they must obtain consent from their guardians. If consent is withheld, a decision from the family court might provide the requisite permission. These changes aim to simplify the process of adjusting documents to reflect individuals' true identities, which can significantly impact the lives of transgender and non-binary people in Germany.
Germany makes changing documents easier
Kalle Huempfner from the association for transgender people, Bundesverband Trans* (BVT), emphasises in a conversation with DW that the new procedure is significantly less humiliating compared to previous ones that required court proceedings.
According to media reports, in Berlin, which has a large LGBTQI community, about 1,200 people have already applied for gender changes. The German Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth anticipates that around four thousand such applications will be submitted annually.
Once an application for gender and name change has been submitted, no further applications can be made for at least twelve months. Right-wing populists have criticised this law, claiming that it could potentially allow individuals to change their gender every year.
Changing documents is a huge effort. No one does it for fun - says Kalle Huempfner in a conversation with "DW".
