Finland Reforms Gender Recognition Law, Removes Sterilisation Requirement
Finland's Act on Legal Recognition of Gender came into force, removing the previous requirements of sterilisation and psychiatric diagnosis. Any person aged 18 or over with Finnish citizenship or residency can change their legal gender based on self-identification, submitting a declaration followed by a 30-day reflection period. The previous law requiring sterilisation had been widely condemned by international human rights organisations.
Impact & Significance
Ended Finland's long-criticised requirement for sterilisation, though at 18+ only the law was more restrictive than those of neighbouring Nordic countries.
Reference Record
- Date
- 3 April 2023
- Era
- 2020-present
- Sources
- 2
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