0
0
Children could be allowed to choose their own gender at any age under new proposals outlined in the European Commission’s LGBTIQ+ Equality Strategy 2026–2030.
The draft plan, which aims to strengthen equality rights across the European Union, has drawn criticism from campaigners who claim it could “silence women” and endanger child safeguarding.
According to the document published on Wednesday, the Commission intends to “support the development of legal gender recognition procedures based on self-determination that are free from age restrictions.” It adds that current requirements for legal gender recognition vary widely between member states, with some countries still imposing medical or psychological assessments — measures the European Court of Human Rights has ruled may infringe on individual rights.
The strategy also suggests that EU member states that fail to uphold the bloc’s equality principles could face funding penalties.
If adopted, the new framework would encourage countries to remove both age limits and mandatory therapeutic assessments for individuals seeking to change their legal gender.
Critics, however, have condemned the proposals as extreme. Maya Forstater, chief executive of the UK-based campaign group Sex Matters, told The Telegraph:
“This chilling EU-wide strategy pushes legal gender self-identification for children of any age and a ban on talking therapy for vulnerable children. It is a mercy that British campaigners for sex-based rights don’t have to deal with this sinister strategy and the pernicious capture of EU institutions, on top of our own challenges in the UK.”
Similarly, the Athena Forum, a European organisation advocating for women’s rights, said the plans risk “silencing” women who voice concerns about gender policies.
The proposals are not yet law and will require review and ratification by EU member states before any implementation.
