Swedish parliament has passed a law lowering the age at which people can change their legal gender from 18 to 16.
The law passed with 234 votes in favour and 94 against in Sweden’s parliament.
Though Sweden was the first country to make gender transition legal, in 1972, the new law has sparked intense debate, says the BBC.
Some say it will make an „important difference” but critics say more research is needed.
Previously, a doctor’s diagnosis of gender dysphoria was required for legal gender change.
But under this new law – which would come into force in July 2025 – the process will be simpler, for example a shorter consultation with a doctor or a psychologist will be enough, along with approval from the National Board of Health and Welfare.
Legally changing a person’s gender will also be possible from the age of 16, although those under 18 will need the approval of their parents or guardian, a doctor and the National Board of Health and Welfare.
Importantly, the new law will also separate the process of changing legal gender from gender surgery, which will still need a longer assessment and will still only be allowed from the age of 18.
Many MPs, particularly from the right, wanted to see more research into gender dysphoria first.
The leader of the Sweden Democrats, Jimmie Akesson, said he thought it was „deplorable that a proposal that obviously lacks support among the population is so casually voted through”.
The public has also been generally less supportive of the law change, with a recent poll by Swedish television network TV4 finding that 59% of Swedes thought it was a bad or very bad proposal, while 22% thought it was a good one, Reuters reported.
Just last week, German parliament passed a similar law no longer requiring a doctor’s certificate for someone to change their legal gender – including for under-16s, although these individuals will need the consent of their parents or guardian.
