Germany is set to make it easier for transgender, intersex, and nonbinary individuals to change their gender and name on official documents, as the cabinet approved draft legislation to reform the rules. The current system, based on the 1980 Transexual Law, requires individuals to undergo a medical examination and a lengthy court process, which has been criticized for being costly and discriminatory.

The proposed reform would allow individuals to change their details simply by visiting their local civil registry office, removing the need for medical assessments and court decisions. The legislation also does not impose age restrictions, but children under 14 will need their parent or guardian to lodge the application on their behalf.

The reform aims to end the discrimination faced by those affected by the Transexual Law and has been welcomed by LGBT rights campaigners. However, it has faced criticism from the conservative opposition, who argue that it may infringe upon women's spaces and that children should undergo consultation before changing their name and gender. The legislation is now awaiting approval by parliament and forms part of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's broader reform plans.