On Wednesday, Sweden’s parliament approved legislation aimed at streamlining the process for individuals to alter their legal gender.
The new law reduces the minimum age for legal gender change from 18 to 16 years, despite facing significant opposition from within the government coalition.
Since 1972, Swedes have had the option to change their legal gender, albeit through a lengthy and rigorous process. This process typically involves extensive investigation and a medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria.
Sweden’s New Law: Easier Legal Gender Changes Ahead
Under the forthcoming law, scheduled to take effect next year, individuals will only need a brief consultation with a doctor or psychologist, along with approval from The National Board of Health and Welfare, to change their legal gender.
Moreover, the process will no longer be tied to medical procedures such as sex reassignment surgery, which will still undergo a thorough evaluation.
Proponents of the legislation argue that it represents a modernization of the existing law, bringing Sweden in line with its Nordic neighbors and many other European nations that already offer mechanisms for legal gender determination.
“This is not a revolutionary change we’re implementing today; it’s a reform,” stated Johan Hultberg of the Moderates during a parliamentary debate.
“It’s unreasonable for the requirements for legal gender change to be as stringent as those for irreversible gender-confirming surgery.”
Opposition from Right-Wing Voters Mounts Against Controversial Bill
A recent TV4-commissioned poll revealed that 59% of Swedes view the proposal unfavorably, with only 22% expressing support.
The bill has also caused division within the government. To secure its passage, the center-right Moderates and Liberals collaborated with the center-left opposition, bypassing both the government coalition partner, the Christian Democrats, and the government supporters, the Sweden Democrats.
Critics contend that further assessment is necessary and express concerns that the law change could create discomfort for some women if they are required to share changing facilities with transgender individuals.
Carita Boulwen of the far-right Sweden Democrats stated, “We believe that this is a reprehensible proposal, which risks having unforeseen and serious consequences, not just for the individual, but for society as a whole.”
