Coburg discusses: AfD inquiry about the self-determination law causes a stir

Coburg discusses: AfD inquiry about the self-determination law causes a stir

Last week, a request from AfD city council member Michael Gebhardt caused a stir in Coburg. He asked about the Self-Determination Act, which recently came into force. By the end of April 2025, the Coburg registry office had already received 42 effective registrations and 35 declarations, such as np-coburg.de reported. Gebhardt had already sent an official request to the city administration in May, in which he specifically highlighted the time commitment that the new law would entail for employees.

The Gender Registration Act, also known as SBGG, came into effect on November 1, 2024. It makes it easier for trans, intersex and non-binary people to change their gender and first names. These changes are now possible through a simple declaration to the registry office, without the need for a court decision or an expert report. These innovations, which are already a reality in over 16 countries, represent an important step towards gender self-determination, as bmfsfj.de explains.

Social effects and technical debate

The social impact of the law is being actively discussed. While some praise the draft as a “fundamental constitutional project,” others urge caution. Nele Allenberg from the German Institute for Human Rights advocates a review of the age limits and the consent requirements of those with custody. Things that are particularly important with regard to under 14-year-olds, where only the legal representative can make a declaration, as stated in the Bundestag.

Critics of the law express concerns that forwarding data to different authorities not only raises data protection problems, but also carries the risk of misuse. In addition, supporters of the law are calling for the removal of certain regulations that could promote discrimination against trans and intersex people. Richard Köhler from Transgender Europe emphasizes that this draft represents a significant step towards greater maturity and self-determination.

Future prospects and evaluation

The legislature plans to evaluate the regulations after five years. This evaluation will need to bring to light some important questions, particularly regarding the practicality and impact of the law on minor applicants. An estimated number of 4,000 gender registration applications are expected per year, with initial registration numbers ranging from 6,000 to 15,000.

The introduction of the Self-Determination Act has already set many processes in motion. While some insist on progress, numerous questions and challenges remain that both politicians and society have to answer.