Germany eases gender change rules

Some places, like women's gyms, can still decide who can enter based on gender.

The German government passed a law to make it easier for people to change their gender legally. Before, you needed a doctor's note and court approval, but now adults over 18 can change to male, female, or diverse (a third gender option) without these steps.

After three months of applying for a gender change, you must visit a government office in person. You can also choose not to have any gender details registered.

The law also includes strict fines for revealing someone's old name or gender without their permission, up to €10,000. There are exceptions, like if it's needed for legal reasons. When changing gender, your first name must match the new gender. Teens need their parents' permission, and there's a waiting period of 12 months before making another change.

Some places, like women's gyms, can still decide who can enter based on gender. Applications for gender changes close to a national emergency will be paused. These rules will start on November 1, as agreed in the coalition government's plan.