Disagreements between the Union and the SPD are surfacing regarding potential changes to the Self-Determination Act (SBGG). Günter Krings, the CDU’s Deputy Parliamentary Group Leader, told the “Rheinische Post” that current figures confirmed early warnings. He argued that if gender registration could be changed merely by a statement at the registry office, without independent consultation or review, “such a far-reaching step would lose its substance.” Krings stressed that fundamental changes affecting minors and their parents-who are in a phase marked by uncertainty-should not be decided without expert advice. Furthermore, he insisted that protection for women must remain guaranteed, particularly in rooms explicitly reserved for women. Krings also demanded that law enforcement and security authorities should not be automatically notified of a change in name or gender registration.
In contrast, Carmen Wegge, the SPD’s legal policy spokesperson, told the newspaper that they currently saw no reason to alter the law. She stated that if the official evaluation resulted in the need for changes, they would consider it openly. Wegge emphasized that the Self-Determination Act is not a political battle over culture, but a measure designed to eliminate state-sponsored discrimination. She interpreted the high number of change requests as evidence that people can now shape their lives more autonomously, thanks to the new legislation.
The SBGG, which allows individuals to adjust their gender in their passport according to their authentic feeling, became effective in November 2024. According to current figures from the Federal Statistical Office, a total of 28,364 individuals had updated their gender registration by the end of March of this year. The law is scheduled to be evaluated by the end of the summer.
Statistics from the Federal Statistical Office show that in the past year, 15,688 people changed their registered gender. Among those affected, approximately 42 percent requested a change from female to male in 2025, while 27 percent changed from male to female. Additionally, 20 percent changed their registration from female to ‘diverse,’ and 9 percent changed from male to ‘diverse,’ indicating that they either do not identify with or do not clearly identify with either binary gender category.
