Sweden's parliament passes a law to make it easier for young people to legally change their gender
The Swedish parliament has passed a law lowering the age required for people to legally change their gender from 18 to 16
By JAN M. OLSEN
Published - Apr 17, 2024, 12:21 PM ET
Last Updated - Apr 17, 2024, 12:21 PM EDT
COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — The Swedish parliament passed a law Wednesday lowering the age required for people to legally change their gender from 18 to 16. Those under 18 still need approval from a guardian, a doctor and the National Board of Health and Welfare.
No longer required is a gender dysphoria diagnosis, defined by medical professionals as psychological distress experienced by those whose gender expression does not match their gender identity.
Sweden joins a number of countries with similar laws including Denmark, Norway, Finland and Spain.
The vote in Sweden passed 234-94 with 21 lawmakers absent, following a debate that lasted for nearly six hours.
