Self-Determination Act Now!

24 Nov 2021 Coalition Agreement Already in the coalition agreement, the parties SPD, FDP and the Greens agree on abolishing the TSG and replacing it with a Self-Determination Law (see Link p. 95).

Coalition Agreement (German)

30 Jun 2022 Key Issues Paper The key issues paper by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth and the Federal Ministry of Justice lays down the fundamental key points of the Self-Determination Act.This stipulates that it should be possible to change the first name and gender entry by self-disclosure at the Standesamt (registry office). A regulation for minors is also mentioned. In addition, a blocking period of one year is set to prevent abuse.

Key Issues Paper (German)

09 May 2023 Draft Bill The Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth and the Federal Ministry of Justice are jointly developing a first draft of the Self-Determination Act, which will then be discussed with associations and organizations.The draft bill generally adheres to the goals previously set in the key issues paper. There are new exceptions for detention centers and in house law (e.g. for women's saunas). In addition, the ability for cis men to change their gender entry is restricted in the event of war to prevent them from avoiding a convening.

Draft Bill (German) FAQ (German)

23 Aug 2023 Government Draft From the consultations with the associations and organizations, the federal government creates the government draft, the preliminary version of the legal text, which will later be discussed in the Bundestag (Parliament of the Federal Republic of Germany).The government draft published by the federal government is similar to the draft bill in most points. Thus the criticized exceptions for detention centers, in house law and in the event of war persist.In contrast to the waiting time of three months until the change of the first name and gender entry become valid, a desired change must now be registered with the Standesamt (registry office) three to six months in advance. After these three to six months, the declaration to change the gender entry and first name can be submitted to the Standesamt (registry office) and comes into force immediately.In addition, it is also insisted that in the event of a change to an earlier gender entry, the previously valid first name must be adopted.The last article "Inkrafttreten, Außerkrafttreten" (entry into force, going out of force) is surprising, according to which the law comes into effect as late as 01 Nov 2024.

Government Draft (German)

Review by the Federal Council Before the government draft can be discussed in the Bundestag (Parliament), it must be submitted to the Bundesrat (Federal Council) for comment.Note: The government draft has been submitted to the Bundesrat (Federal Council) as Drucksache 432/23. In the draft for the agenda of the next plenary session on 29 Sep 2023, there is no mention of the government draft of the SBGG. The next session will take place on 20 Oct 2023. (As of 13 Sep 2023)

1st Reading In the first reading in the Bundestag (Parliament), the government draft is debated for the first time together with the other parties. After that, the bill will be passed to the relevant committees, where it will be discussed further.Note: The agenda of the Bundestag (Parliament) does currently not contain an appointment for the first reading. (As of 13 Sep 2023)

2nd Reading The second reading in the Bundestag (Parliament) discusses the results of the committees. Individual members of the Bundestag can request changes.

3rd Reading and Final Vote At the end of the third reading, a final vote is taken on the law.

01 Nov 2024 (according to the government draft) Entry into Force If the Bundesrat (Federal Council) has no objections, the law will be published and will come into force on a specific date.Note: The date 01 Nov 2024 is derived from the government draft and is presumably going to be changed.