Dutch gender recognition law passed the Lower House

In 2011, Human Rights Watch presents a report on the situation of trans people in the Netherlands and precisely then a watered down proposal is presented. National and international trans organizations complain heavily, only being happy with the removal of the requirement for medical (physical) interventions. After discussions and comments in the first (written) lecture in parliament some improvements are made.

Last week the debate took place and today the change proposal has been voted to continue to the next round, the Senate.

What does the law entail when accepted?

1.  – Everyone person with a Dutch birth certificate can amend it without medical intervention

2.  – If at least 18 years old

3.  – Provided with an expert letter confirming the applicant’s durable conviction being of the other gender.

4.  – The expert is to be a doctor or psychologist of the gender teams. Others are to be cleared by these.

5.  – Go to the civil registry and it will be adapted.

6.  – Evaluation after five years

Amendments have been brought to the floor to change some important aspects

1.  – LGBT organisations (incl the trans organisation) want a wider group of experts to be authorized to write an expert opinion, like social workers, reverends, sexologists, gender experts, trans organisations … Alas: rejected

2.  – It has bee requested to bring the evaluation term back to three years because of the rapid developments in the field. Alas: rejected

3.  – Lower the age limit to 12 years. Alas. Also rejected

4.  – Also it has been requested to investigate the possibility for a third gender marker or nothing at all. This motion has been accepted. Results are to be in within two years (to prevent the ongoing UK “investigations”)

All in all a good result, but it leaves still room for improvement on essential points. Life for trans people will be enormously approved, probably per Jan 1, 2014 as hope is the changes will then effect.

Macedonian legislation still contains no regulations on trans people, however, such examples must be taken as a positive lesson and be adequately implemented in the texts of legislation which is to be adopted in the future. The change of documents at this moment depends on arbitrary decisions and the degree of good will of the civil servants.