Sweden’s Strict Gender Change Requirements Draw Criticism from LGBTQ Activists
Sweden, often seen as a frontrunner in LGBTQ rights, is coming under scrutiny for its strict requirements for legal gender changes. While other Nordic countries have gender identity laws based on self-determination, Sweden requires extensive medical examinations and approval from the National Board of Health and Welfare’s legal advice. This process can take up to six years, making life challenging for trans people.
Trans activist Warren Kunce highlights the difficulties faced by trans individuals living without the correct legal gender. These difficulties range from challenges in international travel to struggles in finding employment or accessing public spaces like gyms and swimming pools. The resulting isolation, anxiety, and depression can even lead to suicide in extreme cases.
The red-green government recognized the increase in mental illness among transgender individuals as a reason to change the law in 2017. The initial proposal aimed for legal gender reassignment based on self-identification. However, subsequent discussions led to a legislative council referral that offered less self-determination. While the current government promised to present a bill in the spring, it has yet to fulfill this commitment.
Politician Fredrik Lundh Sammeli points to the Christian Democrats and the Sweden Democrats as potential roadblocks hindering the law’s progression. The Liberals, who are pushing for change, face challenges in a right-wing conservative government. This situation reminds Warren Kunce of the struggle to abolish the sterilization requirement for transgender individuals ten years ago. The resistance from KD and SD delayed the law change despite criticism from the Council of Europe.
Some argue that easier legal gender changes could compromise women’s safety. Women’s organizations in Sweden have expressed concerns about men gaining access to women’s spaces if legal gender changes become simpler. However, a survey by RFSU, a Swedish sexual health organization, found no examples of abuse resulting from gender identity laws in neighboring Nordic countries.
Health Care Minister Acko Ankarberg Johansson (KD) declined to comment, stating that the matter is still under consideration in the government office. Meanwhile, LGBTQ activists continue to advocate for a more inclusive and accessible legal gender change process in Sweden.