Swedish Parliament approves a pivotal law that lowers the age for legal gender changes from 18 to 16, stirring both support and controversy

The Swedish Parliament recently cast a significant vote, approving a new law that permits individuals as young as 16 to legally change their gender. The law, supported by a decisive 234 votes to 94, reflects a notable shift from the previous age requirement of 18.

In a historic move, Sweden, which became the first country to legalize gender transition in 1972, has again taken strides to modify its gender recognition laws. The new legislation, set to take effect in July 2025, simplifies the process for changing legal gender. Under the forthcoming regulations, a brief consultation with either a doctor or a psychologist and an endorsement from the National Board of Health and Welfare will suffice for the legal recognition of gender change. Additionally, minors will require the consent of their parents or guardians alongside medical and governmental approval.

Johan Hultberg, a member of the ruling Moderate Party, emphasized the distinction between legal gender change and gender-confirming surgery during the extensive six-hour parliamentary debate. “It is not reasonable that the same requirements for changing legal gender should apply to irreversible gender-confirming surgery,” he argued.

The legislation also separates legal gender recognition from gender surgery, which remains permissible only from the age of 18 and requires a more detailed assessment. “The vast majority of Swedes will not notice the change, but for many transgender individuals, it represents a significant and beneficial difference,” Hultberg added.

However, not everyone is in favour of the new law. The Christian Democrats and the far-right Sweden Democrats, both members of the government’s coalition, opposed the law. They expressed concerns about the need for further research into gender dysphoria before making such a legislative change. Jimmie Akesson, leader of the Sweden Democrats, criticized the manner in which the law was passed, calling it “deplorable” and suggesting it lacked popular support.

Despite the controversy, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson defended the new law as “balanced and responsible”. Public opinion, however, appears divided; a recent poll conducted by the Swedish television network TV4 indicated that 59% of Swedes view the proposal negatively, while only 22% support it.

This legislative change in Sweden comes as part of a broader trend in Europe concerning gender identity rights. Germany and Spain, for instance, have also recently revised their laws to facilitate easier processes for individuals wishing to legally change their gender.