Swiss Court: Teens Can Change Gender Registry Entry Without Parental Consent
The Swiss Federal Supreme Court upheld a lower court’s decision allowing a 16-year-old to change their gender designation on official documents without parental consent. This ruling interprets Article 30a of the Civil Code, which permits individuals aged 16 and older with the capacity for judgment to make this change. The court rejected the parents’ argument that a civil servant lacks the authority to assess a minor’s capacity, emphasizing the law’s intent to simplify the process and eliminate the need for medical certificates or parental approval. The decision clarifies that altering gender registration is an administrative act, separate from medical gender transition procedures.
John Q. Hosedrinker