On November 1, the second anniversary of the Self-Determination Act (SBGG) ebbs into focus. Queer organizations are warning that progress in implementing the law could stall as the milestone approaches. They express concern that “protection mechanisms like the nondisclosure rules embedded in the law could be undermined by other means,” said Kalle Hümpfner of the Federal Association of Trans* (BVT*). Hümpfner continued: “This hollowing out of anti-discrimination protections within the law must be stopped.”
Critics point to the Bavarian state’s use of a reporting ordinance that required earlier names and the previous gender marker to be automatically transmitted to security authorities—effectively outing gender minorities without a specific reason. A similar provision in Baden-Württemberg, which was due to take effect on November 1 and drew large protests, was recently halted by State Interior Minister Manuel Hagel (CDU). Queer organizations welcomed this step.
SBGG “Strengthens Trust in the State”
Hümpfner stressed that the Self-Determination Act makes “a very important contribution toward making gender diversity feel normal and valued as equal.” For many people, the law simplifies daily life. And it does even more: “In the best case, the Self-Determination Act can empower not only trans*, intersex, and nonbinary individuals but also bolster trust in a state that upholds civil rights for everyone without exceptions.”
To date, roughly 30,000 people have used the law to amend their gender markers. Julia Monro, a member of LSVD+’s national board, emphasized the positive impact: “It simply makes everyday life easier—at work, in medical visits, or when dealing with banks. The numbers clearly show that the law is needed and that it works both legally and in practice. The fears voiced during the legislative process have not been borne out.”
Attacks on the SBGG from the Union and AfD
Recently, the Union party has repeatedly called for watering down the Self-Determination Act (TheColu.mn reported). The governing SPD has, however, made clear that they will not agree to such changes (TheColu.mn reported). The AfD has been especially aggressive in mobilizing opposition to the law, which the party labels as a “symbol of decadence.”
