Sweden has passed a new law that would make it easier for young people to change their legal gender.
A picture of Russia's President Vladimir Putin with the rainbow colours is seen on a woman's shirt during the Gay Pride Parade. (Photo credit should read JONATHAN NACKSTRAND/AFP via Getty Images)
Previously, people in Sweden needed to be 18 to change their legal gender.
The annual Pride Parade has been held in Malmö since 1995, this year more than 10 000 people joined in while many more gathered to watch. (Photo by Tommy Lindholm/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images)
But on Wednesday, April 17, the parliament passed a law lowering the age to 16.
People wave rainbow flags during the annual Stockholm Pride Parade in Stockholm, Sweden. (Photo credit should read STINA STJERNKVIST/AFP via Getty Images)
Sweden has allowed people to change their legal gender since 1972, but the process could take years.
Participants celebrate during the Stockholm Pride Parade 2023 in Stockholm, Sweden. (Photo by OSCAR OLSSON/TT News Agency/AFP via Getty Images)
Under the new law, people will no longer need to be diagnosed with gender dysphoria – when people feel distressed because their sex at birth and their gender identity don’t match.
Participants take part in the Gay Pride Parade on August 2, 2014, in Stockholm. (Photo credit should read JONATHAN NACKSTRAND/AFP via Getty Images)
They can now just have a shorter consultation with a doctor or psychologist and get approval from the National Board of Health and Welfare.
People take part in the annual Stockholm Pride Parade in Stockholm, Sweden. (Photo credit should read STINA STJERNKVIST/AFP via Getty Images)
People under 18 will still require the approval of a guardian, a doctor and the National Board of Health and Welfare.
A child with LGBT flag seen during the Manifestation for regnbagsflaggan in Gothenburg. (Photo by Karol Serewis/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
The new law will come into effect in July 2025.
People take part in the annual Stockholm Pride Parade in Stockholm, Sweden, on August 3, 2019. (Photo credit should read STINA STJERNKVIST/AFP via Getty Images)
Several other European countries, including Finland, Scotland, and recently Germany have all passed laws that make it easier for people to self-identify their legal gender.
Lison Petit (L) and Celia Sorel from France attend the Statement Festival at Bananpiren in Gothenburg, Sweden, on August 31, 2018. (Photo credit should read FRIDA WINTER/AFP via Getty Images)A participant takes part in the Gay Pride Parade. (Photo credit should read JONATHAN NACKSTRAND/AFP via Getty Images)
Sofia Hou
