The Swedish parliament made a historic decision on Wednesday, passing a law that lowers the age required for individuals to legally change their gender from 18 to 16. This move eliminates the need for a gender dysphoria diagnosis, a requirement defined by medical professionals as psychological distress experienced by those whose gender expression does not align with their gender identity.
Under the new law, individuals under 18 will still need approval from a guardian, a doctor, and the National Board of Health and Welfare. The vote in Sweden passed with a majority of 234-94, following a lengthy debate that lasted nearly six hours.
The decision has sparked mixed reactions within the country, with the Sweden Democrats, a populist party with far-right roots, opposing the law. However, Johan Hultberg with the Moderates of Sweden’s conservative prime minister, Ulf Kristersson, called the outcome “gratifying” and “a cautious but important reform for a vulnerable group.”
Advocates for LGBTQ+ rights have praised the law’s passage, with Peter Sidlund Ponkala, chairman of the Swedish Federation for LGBTQ+ Rights, calling it “a step in the right direction” and “a recognition for everyone who has been waiting for decades for a new law.”
This move by Sweden aligns with similar legislation in countries like Denmark, Norway, Finland, and Spain. Last Friday, German lawmakers also approved similar legislation, making it easier for transgender, intersex, and nonbinary individuals to change their name and gender in official records.
The passage of this law marks a significant milestone for the LGBTQ+ community in Sweden and sets a precedent for other countries to follow suit in recognizing and affirming the rights of transgender individuals.
