A female Indian female Revenue Services officer has changed her gender following which Anusuya is officially changed to Anukathir Surya. Surya now posted as Joint Commissioner in the Customs Officer in Hyderabad.

From Anusuya,  IRS officer becomes Anukathir Surya after changeing gender & name

<p>United Kingdom's Labour Party, as per reports, will soon make changing gender easier by allowing a single family doctor to sign off on the decision, simplifying the current process.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This, as per a report in The Independent, would involve scrapping the existing panel of doctors and lawyers that approve gender recognition certificates. The party, as per the report, is trying to eliminate what it views as "futile and dehumanising parts" of the procedure.</p>

<h2><strong>'Less medicalised'</strong></h2>

<p>The party wants to make the gender change process "less medicalised," while still maintaining the involvement of a doctor.</p>

<p>Talking to The Times, Anneliese Dodds, the shadow women and equalities secretary, explained that the goal is to modernise the process.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-infected-blood-scandal-bombshell-report-finds-points-at-catastrophic-failures-and-cover-up-723604">UK infected blood scandal: Bombshell report finds points at 'catastrophic' failures, and cover-up</a></strong></p>

<p>"We want to see the process for gender recognition modernised while protecting single-sex spaces for biological women," she told the publication.</p>

<p>She added, "This means stripping out the futile and dehumanising parts of the process for obtaining a gender recognition certificate while retaining important safeguards."</p>

<p>While the proposal would retain the involvement of a medical professional, whether this would be a GP or a gender specialist is still undecided and likely to be determined through consultation if Labour wins the next election.</p>

<p>However, not everyone is in favour of this relaxation. Speaking to The Times, Women and Equalities Minister Kemi Badenoch, a Conservative Party leader said: "There is no reason whatsoever to relax the safeguards that are in place. Labour should stop trying to weaponise this issue and allow professionals to do their job properly."</p>

<h2><strong>Gender certificate rules in the UK currently</strong></h2>

<p>Currently, obtaining a gender recognition certificate requires a diagnosis of gender dysphoria, living in the affirmed gender for two years, and the intention to live in that gender for life.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/american-academy-of-pediatrics-reverses-long-standing-ban-on-breastfeeding-for-mothers-with-hiv-723560">American Academy of Pediatrics reverses long-standing ban on breastfeeding for mothers with HIV</a></strong></p>

<p>Additionally, two medical reports are required, including one from a specialist, and the application is reviewed by a panel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Only two per cent of transgender people in the UK have such a certificate, which allows them to update their birth certificate, marry or enter a civil partnership in their affirmed gender, and have it recognised on their death certificate.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


United Kingdom's Labour Party, as per reports, will soon make changing gender easier by allowing a single family doctor to sign off on the decision, simplifying the current process.

United Kingdom's Labour Party, as per reports, will soon make changing gender easier by allowing a single family doctor to sign off on the decision, simplifying the current process. This, as per a report in The Independent, would involve scrapping the existing panel of doctors and lawyers that approve gender recognition certificates. The party, as per the report, is trying to eliminate what it views as "futile and dehumanising parts" of the procedure. 'Less medicalised' The party wants to make the gender change process "less medicalised," while still maintaining the involvement of a doctor. Talking to The Times, Anneliese Dodds, the shadow women and equalities secretary, explained that the goal is to modernise the process. Also read | UK infected blood scandal: Bombshell report finds points at 'catastrophic' failures, and cover-up "We want to see the process for gender recognition modernised while protecting single-sex spaces for biological women," she told the publication. She added, "This means stripping out the futile and dehumanising parts of the process for obtaining a gender recognition certificate while retaining important safeguards." While the proposal would retain the involvement of a medical professional, whether this would be a GP or a gender specialist is still undecided and likely to be determined through consultation if Labour wins the next election. However, not everyone is in favour of this relaxation. Speaking to The Times, Women and Equalities Minister Kemi Badenoch, a Conservative Party leader said: "There is no reason whatsoever to relax the safeguards that are in place. Labour should stop trying to weaponise this issue and allow professionals to do their job properly." Gender certificate rules in the UK currently Currently, obtaining a gender recognition certificate requires a diagnosis of gender dysphoria, living in the affirmed gender for two years, and the intention to live in that gender for life. Also read | American Academy of Pediatrics reverses long-standing ban on breastfeeding for mothers with HIV Additionally, two medical reports are required, including one from a specialist, and the application is reviewed by a panel. Only two per cent of transgender people in the UK have such a certificate, which allows them to update their birth certificate, marry or enter a civil partnership in their affirmed gender, and have it recognised on their death certificate. (With inputs from agencies)

UK: Labour Party seeks to make gender change less medicalised and bureaucratic

Allowing children to change their gender identity could have an impact on their wellbeing, Rishi Sunak has warned. He said that allowing them to change gender is "not a neutral act".

Rishi Sunak: Gender change could impact children's well-being

<p>Japan's Supreme Court on Wednesday (Oct 25) in a landmark decision quashed a law that mandated sterilisation&nbsp;surgery to officially allow a gender change for a person on a family registry, media reports said.</p>

<p>Deeming the law "unconstitutional" the court's 15-judge bench gave the ruling in contrast to an earlier ruling in 2019 which had said that these requirements are "currently constitutional."</p>

<p>The case was brought on by an unidentified transgender woman below the age of 50 whose lawyers said that the mandates are in breach of their client’s constitutional right to lead a life without discrimination.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-poised-to-become-asias-second-largest-economy-surpassing-japan-by-2030-sp-global-651014">India poised to become Asia's second-largest economy surpassing Japan by 2030: S&amp;P Global&nbsp;</a></p>

<p>The lawyers also cited other reasons like physical pain and financial burden that transgenders go through to fulfill the requirements posed by the law.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kanae Doi, Japan Director at Human Rights Watch before the Wednesday (Oct 25) ruling reportedly said, “For anyone, having their gender legally recognised is an extremely fundamental human right, so being required to undergo sterilisation to enjoy that right is a significant violation of human rights."</p>

<h2><strong>Does the ruling undermine women's rights?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>There is another set of arguments by lawmakers and women's rights groups who were against any changes in the law. According to them, the ruling would lead to confusion and will undermine women’s rights.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-considering-inundating-hamas-underground-tunnels-before-ground-invasion-report-651029">Israel considering inundating Hamas’ underground tunnels before ground invasion: Report</a></p>

<p>This latest ruling by Japan's apex court comes after a landmark case of a man who sought to have his gender legally changed without surgery. A local family court last week ruled in man's favour paving a path for Wednesday's (Oct 25) decision.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/un-chief-says-clear-violations-of-international-humanitarian-law-in-gaza-latest-news-650990">UN chief says ‘clear violations of international humanitarian law’ in Gaza | Latest News</a></strong></p>

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<p>According to the law requirements, people in Japan who want to change their gender were required to show a diagnosis of gender dysphoria, along with fulfilling five other requirements. The “Gender Identity Disorder (GID) Special Cases Act”&nbsp; said that the applicants for gender change must undergo a psychiatric evaluation, be surgically sterilised, should be single and without children below the age of 20.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Japan's Supreme Court on Wednesday (Oct 25) in a landmark decision quashed a law that mandated sterilisation surgery to officially allow a gender change for a person on a family registry, media reports said.

Japan's Supreme Court on Wednesday (Oct 25) in a landmark decision quashed a law that mandated sterilisation surgery to officially allow a gender change for a person on a family registry, media reports said. Deeming the law "unconstitutional" the court's 15-judge bench gave the ruling in contrast to an earlier ruling in 2019 which had said that these requirements are "currently constitutional." The case was brought on by an unidentified transgender woman below the age of 50 whose lawyers said that the mandates are in breach of their client’s constitutional right to lead a life without discrimination. Also Read | India poised to become Asia's second-largest economy surpassing Japan by 2030: S&P Global The lawyers also cited other reasons like physical pain and financial burden that transgenders go through to fulfill the requirements posed by the law. Kanae Doi, Japan Director at Human Rights Watch before the Wednesday (Oct 25) ruling reportedly said, “For anyone, having their gender legally recognised is an extremely fundamental human right, so being required to undergo sterilisation to enjoy that right is a significant violation of human rights." Does the ruling undermine women's rights? There is another set of arguments by lawmakers and women's rights groups who were against any changes in the law. According to them, the ruling would lead to confusion and will undermine women’s rights. Also Read | Israel considering inundating Hamas’ underground tunnels before ground invasion: Report This latest ruling by Japan's apex court comes after a landmark case of a man who sought to have his gender legally changed without surgery. A local family court last week ruled in man's favour paving a path for Wednesday's (Oct 25) decision. Watch | UN chief says ‘clear violations of international humanitarian law’ in Gaza | Latest News × According to the law requirements, people in Japan who want to change their gender were required to show a diagnosis of gender dysphoria, along with fulfilling five other requirements. The “Gender Identity Disorder (GID) Special Cases Act” said that the applicants for gender change must undergo a psychiatric evaluation, be surgically sterilised, should be single and without children below the age of 20. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Japan Supreme Court quashes law mandating sterilisation surgery for gender change

<p>Democratic Party ruled California is suing a school district for making a rule under which it is required to inform parents if a student asks to change their name or pronoun.</p>

<p>According to the policy adopted by Chino Valley Unified School District, parents must be immediately informed if a student uses facilities or participates in a programme not aligned with the gender assigned to them on paper.</p>

<p>Now, California has sued the school for allegedly violating the state’s constitution and children’s human rights.</p>

<h2><strong>What does the lawsuit say?</strong></h2>

<p>As per the lawsuit filed by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, passing over information to parents without obtaining permission from the students for the same amounts to a violation of civil rights laws.</p>

<p>According to a statement issued by Bonta, “Every student has the right to learn and thrive in a school environment that promotes safety, privacy, and inclusivity – regardless of their gender identity.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The forced outing policy wrongfully endangers the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of non-conforming students,” he added.</p>

<h2><strong>School district’s arguments</strong></h2>

<p>Chino Valley Unified School District maintains that it protects transgender students under its policies, contrary to allegations levelled by Bonta.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;California: Four including shooter dead, six injured in mass shooting incident</strong></p>

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<p>In an emailed statement seen by Bloomberg, the school said, “School district staff are required to notify law enforcement if students believe they’re in danger or have been abused, injured or neglected due to their parent or guardian knowing of their preferred gender identity.”</p>

<p>It added that in such circumstances, it doesn’t notify parents or guardians; instead, it first waits for the investigation by officials to conclude.</p>

<h2><strong>Other similar court cases</strong></h2>

<p>The lawsuit represents the most recent addition to a series of legal cases emerging in courts. Just this month, a federal appeals court situated in Richmond, Virginia, dismissed a challenge from parents who contested the guidelines endorsed by the school board in Montgomery County, Maryland. These guidelines permitted students to formulate gender transition and support plans without involving their parents.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/california-mass-shooting-multiple-people-shot-at-a-bar-at-least-three-dead-628587"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;California mass shooting: At least five dead, several injured in bar</strong></a></p>

<p>Similarly, in May, a court in New Jersey ruled a similar judgement to the one Bonta is seeking in California. It temporarily halted the implementation of a policy by the board of education in Hanover Township, New Jersey. This policy would have required schools to inform parents about the gender identity and sexual orientation of LGBTQ students.</p>

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Democratic Party ruled California is suing a school district for making a rule under which it is required to inform parents if a student asks to change their name or pronoun.

Democratic Party ruled California is suing a school district for making a rule under which it is required to inform parents if a student asks to change their name or pronoun. According to the policy adopted by Chino Valley Unified School District, parents must be immediately informed if a student uses facilities or participates in a programme not aligned with the gender assigned to them on paper. Now, California has sued the school for allegedly violating the state’s constitution and children’s human rights. What does the lawsuit say? As per the lawsuit filed by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, passing over information to parents without obtaining permission from the students for the same amounts to a violation of civil rights laws. According to a statement issued by Bonta, “Every student has the right to learn and thrive in a school environment that promotes safety, privacy, and inclusivity – regardless of their gender identity.” “The forced outing policy wrongfully endangers the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of non-conforming students,” he added. School district’s arguments Chino Valley Unified School District maintains that it protects transgender students under its policies, contrary to allegations levelled by Bonta. Watch: California: Four including shooter dead, six injured in mass shooting incident × In an emailed statement seen by Bloomberg, the school said, “School district staff are required to notify law enforcement if students believe they’re in danger or have been abused, injured or neglected due to their parent or guardian knowing of their preferred gender identity.” It added that in such circumstances, it doesn’t notify parents or guardians; instead, it first waits for the investigation by officials to conclude. Other similar court cases The lawsuit represents the most recent addition to a series of legal cases emerging in courts. Just this month, a federal appeals court situated in Richmond, Virginia, dismissed a challenge from parents who contested the guidelines endorsed by the school board in Montgomery County, Maryland. These guidelines permitted students to formulate gender transition and support plans without involving their parents. Also read: California mass shooting: At least five dead, several injured in bar Similarly, in May, a court in New Jersey ruled a similar judgement to the one Bonta is seeking in California. It temporarily halted the implementation of a policy by the board of education in Hanover Township, New Jersey. This policy would have required schools to inform parents about the gender identity and sexual orientation of LGBTQ students. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

US: California sues school for informing parents about pronoun changes by students

Russia's lower house of parliament has given a green light to a controversial law the bill approved in its final reading aims to ban the process of changing gender legally and medically. As a major setback for gender rights groups, the bill would bar Russians from changing their gender or official identity documents.

Gender change surgery to get banned in Russia

As part of President Vladimir Putin's campaign against LGBTQ+ rights, the lower chamber of parliament in Russia has adopted a comprehensive constitutional law that would outlaw legally or medically changing a person's gender.

Russian Duma passes draft law banning change of gender

<p>Prime Minister Rishi Sunak-led UK government is likely to block Scotland’s gender reform law, which will make the process of changing gender easier for people. The move comes after Scottish lawmakers on Thursday passed a contentious law which made it both easier&nbsp; and faster for its citizens to change their genders, despite facing protest from within the ruling Scottish National Party (SNP) and "concerns" by the UK government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the passing of legislation leads to a clash with the UK government, which has raised concerns over children's and women’s safety. Scottish government’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said that they will fight all the attempts made to stop the law.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ|</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-supreme-court-blocks-scotland-from-holding-second-independence-referendum-536746">UK Supreme Court blocks Scotland from holding second independence referendum</a></p>

<p>The legislation, which received 86 votes in favour and 39 in opposition in the devolved parliament of Scotland in Edinburgh, removed the need for a gender dysphoria medical diagnosis if a person wants to change his/her gender.</p>

<p>"The motion is therefore agreed and the Gender Recognition Reform Scotland Bill is passed," said presiding officer Alison Johnstone, responding to the public gallery's loud applause. To prevent the legislation from becoming law, the UK government can block the Royal Assent, when the King gives his formal agreement to the Bill and it takes the shape of an Act of the Scottish Parliament.</p>

<p>UK Minister for Women and Equalities Kemi Badenoch said that the bill’s implications on the lives of girls and women have not been considered by the Scottish government. She said in a statement: "The UK government is now looking at provisions that can prompt reconsideration and allow MSPs to address these issues."</p>

<p><strong>WATCH| Scottish Independence Referendum: 'People of Scotland have the right to choose'</strong></p>

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<p>As per the legislation, people between the age of 16 and 17 will now be permitted to change their gender. The law has further reduced the required time an applicant needs to live in their new gender before its official recognition from two years to three months and in the case of 16 and 17-year-old citizens, the time required is six months.</p>

<p>The applicant will also be provided an additional time of three months as a reflection period during which the applicant who has initiated the process or considering changing the gender can change their decision. However, the Scottish government argues that the Equality Act will not be impacted by the legislation, which permits transgenders to be excluded from single-sex spaces like changing rooms.</p>

<p>Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who has battled the biggest internal opposition over the legislation in her tenure of eight years, said that the older system for altering gender was "intrusive, traumatic and dehumanising".&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Prime Minister Rishi Sunak-led UK government is likely to block Scotland’s gender reform law, which will make the process of changing gender easier for people. The move comes after Scottish lawmakers on Thursday passed a contentious law which made it both easier and faster for its citizens to change their genders, despite facing protest from within the ruling Scottish National Party (SNP) and "concerns" by the UK government.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak-led UK government is likely to block Scotland’s gender reform law, which will make the process of changing gender easier for people. The move comes after Scottish lawmakers on Thursday passed a contentious law which made it both easier and faster for its citizens to change their genders, despite facing protest from within the ruling Scottish National Party (SNP) and "concerns" by the UK government. However, the passing of legislation leads to a clash with the UK government, which has raised concerns over children's and women’s safety. Scottish government’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said that they will fight all the attempts made to stop the law. ALSO READ| UK Supreme Court blocks Scotland from holding second independence referendum The legislation, which received 86 votes in favour and 39 in opposition in the devolved parliament of Scotland in Edinburgh, removed the need for a gender dysphoria medical diagnosis if a person wants to change his/her gender. "The motion is therefore agreed and the Gender Recognition Reform Scotland Bill is passed," said presiding officer Alison Johnstone, responding to the public gallery's loud applause. To prevent the legislation from becoming law, the UK government can block the Royal Assent, when the King gives his formal agreement to the Bill and it takes the shape of an Act of the Scottish Parliament. UK Minister for Women and Equalities Kemi Badenoch said that the bill’s implications on the lives of girls and women have not been considered by the Scottish government. She said in a statement: "The UK government is now looking at provisions that can prompt reconsideration and allow MSPs to address these issues." WATCH| Scottish Independence Referendum: 'People of Scotland have the right to choose' As per the legislation, people between the age of 16 and 17 will now be permitted to change their gender. The law has further reduced the required time an applicant needs to live in their new gender before its official recognition from two years to three months and in the case of 16 and 17-year-old citizens, the time required is six months. The applicant will also be provided an additional time of three months as a reflection period during which the applicant who has initiated the process or considering changing the gender can change their decision. However, the Scottish government argues that the Equality Act will not be impacted by the legislation, which permits transgenders to be excluded from single-sex spaces like changing rooms. Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who has battled the biggest internal opposition over the legislation in her tenure of eight years, said that the older system for altering gender was "intrusive, traumatic and dehumanising". (With inputs from agencies)

Rishi Sunak-led UK government likely to block Scotland’s gender reform legislation

<p>Lawmakers in Scotland's devolved parliament passed a contentious law on Thursday (December 22) which makes it easier for people to change their gender. The issue saw a rare rebellion within the ruling Scottish National Party (SNP). The UK government has also voiced 'concerns' about the law. The legislation got 86 votes in favour and 39 against.</p>

<p>As per the new law medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria before altering the gender will no longer be required.</p>

<p>"The motion is therefore agreed and the Gender Recognition Reform Scotland Bill is passed," presiding officer Alison Johnstone said to loud applause from the public gallery.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Now, 16 and 17-year-olds will also be able to change their gender. There were efforts by some Scottish lawmakers to keep the eligible age at 18 years.</p>

<p>The law reduces from two years to three months -- or six months for 16-17 year-olds -- the time needed for an applicant to live in their new gender before it is officially recognised.</p>

<p>An additional three-month reflection period is also required, during which time those who have initiated or are considering altering their gender can change their mind.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Those opposing the law expressed fear that it would be a danger to women and girls, particularly around the provision of single-sex spaces.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But the Scottish government insists the legislation will not impact the Equality Act, which allows for trans people to be excluded from single-sex spaces such as changing rooms and shelters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who has faced one of the biggest internal rebellions of her eight-year tenure over the issue, said the previous system to change gender was "intrusive, traumatic and dehumanising".  &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Lawmakers in Scotland's devolved parliament passed a contentious law on Thursday (December 22) which makes it easier for people to change their gender. The issue saw a rare rebellion within the ruling Scottish National Party (SNP).

Lawmakers in Scotland's devolved parliament passed a contentious law on Thursday (December 22) which makes it easier for people to change their gender. The issue saw a rare rebellion within the ruling Scottish National Party (SNP). The UK government has also voiced 'concerns' about the law. The legislation got 86 votes in favour and 39 against. As per the new law medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria before altering the gender will no longer be required. "The motion is therefore agreed and the Gender Recognition Reform Scotland Bill is passed," presiding officer Alison Johnstone said to loud applause from the public gallery. Now, 16 and 17-year-olds will also be able to change their gender. There were efforts by some Scottish lawmakers to keep the eligible age at 18 years. The law reduces from two years to three months -- or six months for 16-17 year-olds -- the time needed for an applicant to live in their new gender before it is officially recognised. An additional three-month reflection period is also required, during which time those who have initiated or are considering altering their gender can change their mind. Those opposing the law expressed fear that it would be a danger to women and girls, particularly around the provision of single-sex spaces. But the Scottish government insists the legislation will not impact the Equality Act, which allows for trans people to be excluded from single-sex spaces such as changing rooms and shelters. Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who has faced one of the biggest internal rebellions of her eight-year tenure over the issue, said the previous system to change gender was "intrusive, traumatic and dehumanising".   (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Scotland passes law making it easier for people to change gender

Scotland has become United Kingdom's first region to approve a self-identification process for changing gender. The Scottish Parliament approved disputed reforms that makes it easier for transgender people to change their legal gender.

Scotland validates self-ID for gender change which is now easier in the country

<p>People in Switzerland will be able to legally change gender by a visit to the civil registry office from January&nbsp;1, putting the country at the forefront of Europe's gender self-identification movement.</p>

<p>Switzerland joins Ireland, Belgium, Portugal and Norway as one of the few countries on the continent that allow a person to legally change gender without hormone therapy, medical diagnosis or further evaluation or bureaucratic steps.</p>

<p>Under the new rules written into Switzerland's civil code, anyone aged 16 and above who is not under legal guardianship will be able to adjust their gender and legal name by self-declaration at the civil registry office. Younger people and those under adult protection will require guardian consent.</p>

<p>This marks a change from the current set of regionally prescribed standards in Switzerland, which often require a certificate from a medical professional confirming an individual's transgender identity.</p>

<p>Some cantons - semi-autonomous regions in federal Switzerland - also require a person to undergo hormone treatment or anatomical transition in order to legally change gender, while, for a name change, proof could be required that the new name has already been unofficially in use for several years.</p>

<p>Switzerland, long known as socially conservative in the main, voted in September to legalise civil marriage.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With the new gender change rules, Switzerland joins just two dozen countries worldwide aiming to decouple gender choice from medical procedures.</p>

<p>While some other European nations including Denmark, Greece and France have removed the requirement of medical procedures, including sex reassignment surgery, sterilisation or psychiatric evaluation, their rules require further steps or conditions.</p>


People in Switzerland will be able to legally change gender by a visit to the civil registry office from January 1, putting the country at the forefront of Europe's gender self-identification movement.

People in Switzerland will be able to legally change gender by a visit to the civil registry office from January 1, putting the country at the forefront of Europe's gender self-identification movement. Switzerland joins Ireland, Belgium, Portugal and Norway as one of the few countries on the continent that allow a person to legally change gender without hormone therapy, medical diagnosis or further evaluation or bureaucratic steps. Under the new rules written into Switzerland's civil code, anyone aged 16 and above who is not under legal guardianship will be able to adjust their gender and legal name by self-declaration at the civil registry office. Younger people and those under adult protection will require guardian consent. This marks a change from the current set of regionally prescribed standards in Switzerland, which often require a certificate from a medical professional confirming an individual's transgender identity. Some cantons - semi-autonomous regions in federal Switzerland - also require a person to undergo hormone treatment or anatomical transition in order to legally change gender, while, for a name change, proof could be required that the new name has already been unofficially in use for several years. Switzerland, long known as socially conservative in the main, voted in September to legalise civil marriage. With the new gender change rules, Switzerland joins just two dozen countries worldwide aiming to decouple gender choice from medical procedures. While some other European nations including Denmark, Greece and France have removed the requirement of medical procedures, including sex reassignment surgery, sterilisation or psychiatric evaluation, their rules require further steps or conditions.

Switzerland simplifies legal gender transition

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