The Swedish parliament passed a law lowering the age required for individuals to legally change their gender from 18 to 16. Those under 18 still need approval from a guardian, doctor, and the National Board of Health and Welfare. The requirement for a gender dysphoria diagnosis has been removed, which is defined as psychological distress experienced by individuals whose gender expression does not align with their gender identity. This move puts Sweden in line with other countries such as Denmark, Norway, Finland, and Spain that have similar laws in place. The vote in Sweden passed by a margin of 234-94, with support from the Moderates and the Liberals in the center-right coalition, despite opposition from the Sweden Democrats party.
The passage of the law has been met with both criticism and support within Sweden. The Sweden Democrats, a populist party with far-right roots, expressed opposition to the law. Party leader Jimmie Akesson called the passing of the law “deplorable” and criticized the lack of public support for it. However, Johan Hultberg with the Moderates, part of Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson’s coalition, described the outcome as “gratifying” and an important reform for a vulnerable group. Members of the Swedish Federation for LGBTQI Rights welcomed the law’s passage, describing it as a step in the right direction and a long-awaited recognition for those who have been awaiting a new law.
Advocates for LGBTQI rights in Sweden see the passage of the law as a positive development that will improve the lives of transgender individuals in the country. Peter Sidlund Ponkala, chairman of RFSL, sees the law as progress and a step towards strengthening gender-affirming care, introducing a third legal gender, and banning conversion attempts. Elias Fjellander, chairman of the organization’s youth branch, expressed optimism that the law would benefit its members and the broader transgender community. The passing of this legislation reflects a broader trend in Europe towards greater recognition and protection of the rights of transgender, intersex, and nonbinary individuals.
The passing of similar legislation in Germany and Scotland highlights a growing trend towards more progressive gender recognition laws in Europe. Germany recently approved legislation that makes it easier for transgender, intersex, and nonbinary individuals to change their name and gender in official records. Similarly, the Scottish parliament passed a bill allowing individuals aged 16 or older to change their gender designation on identity documents by self-declaration, although it was vetoed by the British government. The passage of these laws marks important steps towards greater gender equality and recognition for transgender individuals across Europe.
Overall, the passing of the law in Sweden to lower the age for legal gender change to 16 reflects changing attitudes towards transgender rights in Europe. The law has been met with both criticism and support, with advocates viewing it as a positive step towards recognizing and affirming the rights of transgender individuals. The passage of similar laws in other European countries such as Germany and Scotland demonstrates a broader trend towards more progressive gender recognition legislation on the continent. This shift towards greater recognition and protection of transgender rights signals a positive development for LGBTQI communities in Europe.
