"German Parliament Votes on Easing Gender Transition Laws"

The German parliament has approved a "self-determination law" that will simplify the process for transgender, intersex, and nonbinary individuals to change their name and gender in official records, with the legislation set to take effect on November 1. The new law allows adults to change their first name and legal gender at registry offices without extensive formalities, while minors 14 years and older can do so with parental approval or through a family court if necessary. The legislation aims to address the long-standing challenges faced by transgender individuals under the existing "transsexual law," and is part of a series of social reforms promised by Chancellor Olaf Scholz's government.