In the future, transsexual people should be able to change their gender through a simple procedure at the registry office.

Federal Family Minister Lisa Paus (Greens) and Federal Minister of Justice Marco Buschmann (FDP) presented key points for a self-determination law on Thursday, which is intended to replace the transsexual law.

Helen Bubrowski

Political correspondent in Berlin.

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The law, which dates back to 1980, is "degrading" for those affected, said Paus.

So far, the gender entry in the civil status register can only be changed by a court decision, which required two expert opinions.

People who do not identify with their registered gender would be treated "like sick people," said Buschmann, "there is no justification for that."

Minors should also be included

According to the plans from the family and justice ministries, a simple declaration in front of the registry office will be sufficient in the future.

As with a marriage, the registrar must check whether the will is serious, says Buschmann.

Then the state must respect the wish.

In this case, both the information on gender and first names are changed in the register, and all other official documents such as the passport must be adjusted accordingly.

In the future, minors should also have the right to change the entry.

The key points stipulate that the parents should make the declaration up to the age of fourteen.

From the age of fourteen upwards, parental consent is required.

If they don't, the family court can decide in their place.

The Self-Determination Act does not apply to surgical interventions.

The medical recommendations, which provide for an age limit of 18 years, continue to apply.

A blocking period of one year should apply to changing the gender entry again.

The cornerstones provide that a fine can be imposed if the previous gender is revealed against the will of those affected.

Paus considers the suspicion that the possibility of changing the register could be misused to be absurd.

Women's shelters don't have to worry, violent people are not allowed in there, regardless of gender.

In 2020 there were a total of 2687 cases in Germany in which district courts approved a change in the gender entry.

"It wasn't a mass phenomenon, and it won't be one in the future either," says Buschmann.

But the Basic Law promises equal freedom and dignity for all people.