The Swedish Parliament passed a law on April 17, 2024 lowering the age at which individuals can legally change their gender from 18 to 16. After six hours of heated debate, the law was approved by 234 votes to 94, out of 349 seats. The new legislation will regulate both gender transition surgery and the process of changing gender on official documents. Starting from July 1, 2025, individuals aged 16 and above can change their gender on official documents without requiring a diagnosis of gender dysphoria. Under 18s will need parental, medical, and health authority consent.
The controversial law has caused divisions within the conservative government, with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson having to navigate differing views within his party. Despite opposition from certain factions, the law was supported by left-wing parties, enabling its passage. The Head of the Centre Party, Muharrem Demirok, hailed the law as a step towards modernizing gender identity legislation in Sweden, allowing individuals to lead more functional lives. Prior to this law, the process of gender change in official documents in Sweden could take up to seven years.
Many European countries have already adopted laws that simplify gender transitioning on official documents. Sweden, in 2022, introduced restrictions on hormonal treatments and limited the use of chest removal surgery for minors. This latest law reflects the changing attitudes towards gender identity and the need for legislation that is more inclusive and supportive of the transgender community.
In recent years, Sweden has seen a significant rise in cases of gender dysphoria, particularly among females aged 13-17, with a 1,500% increase since 2008. The society is deeply divided on this issue, with politicians, academics, health professionals, and commentators expressing varying opinions. Critics have raised concerns about the implications of allowing individuals to change their gender on official documents at a younger age, fearing that it may encourage vulnerable youth to undergo unnecessary surgical procedures.
Opposition to the law has come from various quarters, including the far-right party, which believes the decision should be reversed, especially in cases involving minors. The presence of biological males in female spaces like prisons and changing rooms has sparked debates about safety and privacy. Some politicians have called for further research to understand the reasons behind the rise in gender dysphoria cases, while others argue that simplifying the legal process is crucial for the well-being of transgender individuals.
Overall, the passage of this law marks a significant milestone in Sweden’s gender identity legislation, reflecting changing societal attitudes towards gender identity and the need for more inclusive and supportive legal frameworks for the transgender community. Despite the controversies and divisions within society, the law represents a step towards recognizing and respecting the rights and autonomy of individuals to determine their own gender identity.
