- Dozens of applications for gender reassignment since August 1
In just a few days, dozens of people in Thuringia have registered for the simplified change of their gender entry and first name. The registry offices in Erfurt and Jena each recorded 28 registrations by the end of the week, with 16 in Weimar. In Thuringia's third-largest city, Gera, there were six registrations, five in Eisenach, and three in Suhl. Some numbers fell short of municipal expectations, while others had none.
Since August 1st, transgender, intersex, and non-binary individuals can register at the registry office to change their gender entry and first name according to the new Self-Determination Act. They must wait three months before submitting their declaration, which will then suffice. Previously, a court decision and two expert opinions were required.
Many registrations on the first day
Those who submitted their registration on August 1st can make the change as early as November 1st. This also led to a relatively high number of people registering at the registry office in Thuringia at the earliest possible time.
For example, there were about 11 registrations in Erfurt on the first day. In previous years, about ten gender and name changes were recorded annually. Weimar also had 11 registrations on August 1st, compared to a total of three changes in the entire year of 2023. Jena recorded 13 registrations on the first day. In most cities, registration costs 20 euros, and the final declaration costs an additional 25 euros.
Due to the new Self-Determination Act, social policy has significantly impacted the gender registration process in Thuringia, leading to an increase in registrations. The surge in registrations on August 1st can be attributed to the simplified process and the elimination of previous requirements.
