Why does Germany want to limit trans self-ID during wartime?
Transgender rights advocates in Germany have criticised plans by the government to restrict legal gender change during war – a measure that seeks to stop men from abusing proposed trans self-ID rules to evade military conscription.
Germany’s government last month approved draft legislation allowing people to change their legal gender simply by visiting the local civil registry office, a move that was initially welcomed by LGBTQIA+ rights campaigners.
But trans advocates say the proposed wartime restrictions contained in the self-ID bill – which must still be approved by parliament – raise doubts about the government’s commitment to self-determination.
Here is what you should know. What is the controversy about? One of the articles of the draft bill includes stipulations for legal gender change in “a case of tension or defence” – a legal state that has never been declared in Germany but could be applied if, for example, the country was under attack.
