The Swedish parliament, known as the Riksdag, has approved legislation that streamlines the process for minors seeking gender reassignment in the country. Under the new law, 16-year-olds can now pursue surgical procedures to transition with parental and medical consent, compared to the previous age requirement of 18. The law will take immediate effect on July 1, 2025.
The Riksdag voted overwhelmingly, with 234 in favour and 94 Christian Democrats against, to eliminate the previous requirement for a diagnosis of gender dysphoria before transitioning. Additionally, a bureaucratic hurdle that prolonged the transition process by seven years was also eliminated.
Peter Sidlund Ponkala, president of the Swedish Federation for LGBTQI+ Rights, acknowledged the lengthy transition process, which can span up to seven years.
For 16-year-olds, consent from parents, a certified doctor, and the National Board of Health and Welfare is necessary for gender reassignment. However, 18-year-olds no longer require approval from the board. Only individuals aged 23 and above are eligible for reproductive organ removal.
The decision was made based on a proposal submitted as a committee initiative. Unlike government bills or private member motions, which are typically the norm, this proposal was initiated by a parliamentary committee.