At a time when social upheaval is taking place and gender diversity is increasing, a new law is causing heated online discussions. But what is fact and what is fiction about the Self-Determination Act, and how could it change the lives of many people in Germany?

Who is affected by the Self-Determination Act?

The aim of the Self-Determination Act is to grant certain groups of people in Germany the right to self-determination of gender and first name. It is aimed at transsexual, intersex and non-binary people.

“Trans” are people who identify with a gender other than the one they were assigned at birth. People whose innate physical characteristics are not clearly (only) male or (only) female are referred to as “inter”. People who identify as neither male nor female refer to themselves as “non-binary.”

What does this mean for minors?

A controversial point in the bill is the regulation for minors. Children up to the age of 14 cannot apply for gender reassignment; this is the responsibility of their legal guardians. This is possible from the age of 14 - but only with the consent of the parents. But what if the parents don't agree? In certain cases, a family court can intervene if the child's well-being is at risk.

Myth vs. Reality: Fines

A common myth is that people have to pay up to 10,000 euros if they address trans people by their previous name (deadnaming) or pronouns. The reality is more nuanced. The fine relates to the “ban on disclosure” – that is, you are not allowed to reveal a person’s previous gender information without their consent. The goal? Protection against unwanted outing. Section 5 of the Transsexuals Act since 1981 .

Screenshot Facebook
Screenshot Facebook

Change periods and their meaning

The law allows people to change their entry at will, but with a lock-in period of one year. However, fears about repeated changes are unfounded, as only about 1% of people reverse their decision, as confirmed by the Lesbian and Gay Association in Germany (LSVD).

Conclusion

The Self-Determination Act has the potential to profoundly change everyday life and the recognition of trans, inter- and non-binary people in Germany. It attempts to find a balance between the freedom of the individual and the obligations of society. As with any law, there are supporters and critics. However, it is important to rely on facts and distance yourself from myths.

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Source:

DPA

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