Germany has gone further than most countries in failing to stand up to the relentless march of transgender ideology. Its Self-Determination Act, which comes into effect today, makes it far easier for people to change gender. The law enables Germans to alter their name and gender, or even have the gender marker removed altogether, on official records. Those who intentionally disclose someone’s ‘dead’ name or legal gender could face fines of up to €10,000 (£8,000).
The Self-Determination Act is a worrying moment for women everywhere
November 1 is a dark day for feminists and those who fear that men will now be able to encroach upon women-only public spaces. In response to this horrific situation, women have organised protests in several countries, such as the one I attended outside the German Embassy in London. One of the speakers was the indomitable Maya Forstater, and so many of the groups that have been fighting against the introduction of gender ideology, including Transgender Trend and a number of other feminist organisations, were present. The crowd of several hundred women carried placards and banners with slogan such as ‘Women are not human shields’, and ‘Hey! Germany! Leave those kids alone!’
Around 1,200 people in Berlin have submitted gender change applications so far, according to the German press agency DPA. The German Trans Association has, unsurprisingly, hailed the law change: it says gender self-recognition will now be much more accessible and less costly. But that’s not something to celebrate. It seems that, as ever, women will pay the price.
The Self-Determination Act effectively waters down the concept of sex in law. Those who apply to change gender must still wait a period of time before it becomes official. But gone is the requirement for two psychiatric assessments and a court hearing to rubber stamp a gender change. Does this mean that any man can now declare that he is a woman? Are there any proper safeguards on a person changing their gender back?
And what happens if women refuse to comply with this nonsense? The prospect of a hefty fine for effectively misgendering someone is a deeply sinister one that will ultimately silence women.
Reem Alsalem, UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, says the Self-Determination Act could undermine the safety, privacy and other human rights of women and girls, especially those affected by male violence.
‘The Gender Self-Determination Act lacks the needed safeguards to prevent abuse of the process by sexual predators and other perpetrators of abuse and violence, including in single-sex spaces,’ Alsalem said.
She’s right to be alarmed. Yet, in spite of the criticism, Germany has opted to press ahead with the plan – and ignore the worries of women.
This isn’t, of course, an issue confined to Berlin. In Britain, frontline politicians have supported gender self identification. Trans lobby groups have also backed the rollout of legislation similar to Germany’s new law.
The Self-Determination Act is a worrying moment for women everywhere because there is a risk that other countries may find inspiration in this law. Germany has a lot of influence over what happens in the rest of Europe. Now that the Self-Determination Act is in force, trans activists and lobbyists will do their best to convince EU law and policy makers to implement similar rules elsewhere. The women (and men) protesting in Germany, and outside embassies globally, understand what is at stake: the legal rights of women and girls. We must end this madness, now.
Comments