Germany First Country In Europe To Introduce Third Gender On Birth Certificates

Starting in November, German parents will have the option of choosing “male”, “female” or “blank” for their child’s gender.

Germany is the first country in the European Union to introduce the third gender option. The law was passed back in May, however it has only recently been reported on following similar legislation in Australia.

According to Spiegel Online:

The legislative change allows parents to opt out of determining their baby’s gender, thereby allowing those born with characteristics of both sexes to choose whether to become male or female in later life. Under the new law, individuals can also opt to remain outside the gender binary altogether.

It remains unclear how gender assignment will be affected on other legal documents, such as passports, which still require the traditional two genders.

Australia’s law applies to all documents and provides “the option to select M (male), F (female) or X (Indeterminate/Intersex/Unspecified)” — regardless of whether the individual has undergone gender reassignment surgery or hormone therapy.