Portugal adopts law allowing citizens to legally change gender News
Portugal adopts law allowing citizens to legally change gender

Portugal’s parliament [official website, in Portuguese] on Friday approved legislation [text, PDF, in Portuguese] that will allow citizens to legally determine their own gender.

The proposed law, introduced by the parliamentary Committee on Constitutional Affairs, Rights, Freedoms and Guarantees, was adopted unanimously by the chamber.

Under the new law, individuals over age 16 will be able to change their name and gender on official documents without submitting a medical report. Those under 18 will need approval of a parent or guardian. The previously law only allowed individuals over 18 to change their name and gender and required a medical report.

Language in the new law also reinforces the notion that all persons, regardless of their gender or gender expression, are subject to the equal protection of the law. Language of the new law states that all persons are free to express their gender and sexuality as they see fit.

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