Child waving rainbow pride flag at LGBTQ+ march.
Parliament gave the thumbs up to a controversial new gender law, sparking cheers and jeers alike.
Credit: Shutterstock, Victor Velter
In a highly controversial move set to shake up Swedish society, the government overwhelmingly backed a new gender law back in April 2024, with 234 votes in favour and 94 against. After months of fiery debates and fierce discussions, Sweden is set to rewrite the rules on legal gender changes come July 1, 2025.
Gone are the days when only transgender individuals could alter their legal gender. The fresh legislation casts a wider net, embracing not just the trans community but also non-binary folks longing for a legal change. Now, anyone wishing to tweak their passport or social security details can do so without surgery or a lengthy diagnosis.
Legal age for gender changes slashed to 16
Another headline-grabber is the slashing of the minimum age to change legal genders from 18 to 16. And here’s the big kahuna – no more mandatory gender dysphoria diagnoses is needed. All people need is a simple doctor’s certificate, although minors will still need a nod from their guardians. Many are arguing that it’s a huge leap towards self-identification, giving a group of people who are arguably going through the most vulnerable time of their lives and still discovering who they are, the power to legally write their identity in stone. In fact, a 2024 Swedish TV4 poll revealed that a whopping 59% of respondents viewed the law as a bad or very bad.
The RFSL, Sweden’s foremost LGBT+ organisation, hailed the new law as a ‘step in the right direction.’ They envision a future where everyone can define their gender identity without bureaucratic hurdles, boosting the well-being of a community often shadowed by mental health struggles.
Swedish parliament in pandemonium
The passage wasn’t without its tussles. Back in April 2024, Johan Hultberg of the ruling Moderate Party championed the change, arguing it’s unreasonable to tie legal gender changes to irreversible surgeries. “The great majority of Swedes will never notice that the law has changed, but for a number of transgender people the new law makes a large and important difference,” he declared after a marathon six-hour debate.
However, the right-wing factions weren’t on board. The Christian Democrats and the Sweden Democrats, both part of the governing coalition, slammed the law. Right-wing Sweden Democrats leader Jimmie Akesson branded the swift vote as “deplorable,” insisting more research is needed before such sweeping changes are made. He also questioned whether organised drag queen readings for children were a good idea. He was subsequently criticised for being anti-LGBT and uninclusive.
Swedish citizens seem to be split. A 2024 TV4 poll revealed that 59% view the law as a bad or very bad proposal, while only 22% are cheering the change. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson remained steadfast, calling the law “balanced and responsible” amidst the public uproar.
Europe joins the gender shuffle
Sweden isn’t dancing alone on this mysterious stage. Germany recently rolled out similar laws, removing the need for a doctor’s certificate and allowing under-16s to change their gender with parental consent. Spain followed suit last year, letting anyone over 16 switch genders without medical evaluations. Across the Channel, the UK still holds tighter reins, requiring a diagnosis or surgery for legal gender changes.
What’s next for Sweden?
As July 2025 approaches fast, all eyes will be on Sweden to see how this bold move pans out. Will it pave the way for greater acceptance and freedom, or will it open up a can of ‘maskar‘? Only time will tell if Sweden’s gender gamble pays off or falls flat.
Stay tuned as we continue to follow this evolving story, bringing you all the twists and turns from Stockholm’s sensational saga.
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