Sweden's New Gender Law: Simplifying the Process for Transgender Individuals at 16
Sweden passed a new law on Wednesday, making it easier and faster for people to change their legal gender.
The age requirement is now 16, down from 18, and the process will involve a shorter consultation with a doctor or psychologist, along with approval from The National Board of Health and Welfare.
Previously, changing legal gender required a thorough investigation and a doctor's diagnosis of gender dysphoria, which could take many years.
The new law has faced criticism from within the government coalition.
Sweden has passed a new law allowing people to change their legal gender without undergoing medical procedures such as sex reassignment surgery.
The process will still require evaluation but will be more streamlined.
Backers of the bill argue it's a modernization bringing Sweden in line with Nordic neighbors and European countries.
Johan Hultberg of the Moderates described it as a reform, not a revolution.
The irreversible surgery requirements are no longer necessary for legal gender change.
A bill in Sweden is facing strong opposition, with 59% of Swedes viewing it as a bad or very bad proposal according to a recent poll.
The bill has also caused a rift within the government, leading the centre-right Moderates and Liberals to work with the centre-left opposition to pass it, bypassing the government coalition partner, the Christian Democrats, and government backers, the Sweden Democrats.