Children as young as seven could choose to redefine their legal gender under radical plans put forward by the government of Norway.
Those under 16 would need parental approval but older children could elect to make the change themselves.
Under the proposals, no medical opinion would be required for children to seek the alteration in legal status, which would then be reflected in official documents such as passports.
"The proposal is historic in that it will no longer be the health service but the individual who decides if he or she has changed sex," Norway's Health Minister Bent Høie said.
He announced the plans during Oslo’s Pride festival, saying: “This is an important area where Norway has lagged far behind many other countries for many years… Now we can be proud that we are implementing this law.”
Remarkably, even these dramatic changes do not go far enough for some radical campaigners. Richard Köhler, of lobby group Transgender Europe, argued that there should be no lower age limit on the ability to change one’s legal gender, saying: “Generally it is very good to allow very young transpersons to have their gender identity respected.”
Until April, those wanting to change their legal gender first had to undergo sex ‘change’ surgery, something that Norway will continue to restrict to those aged 18 or over.
Under the new plans, individuals will be able to change their legal gender backwards and forwards.
The proposals will be scrutinised by experts before a formal bill is brought to the Norwegian parliament.
Andrea Williams, chief executive of Christian Concern, comments: "This plan is a poignant illustration of just how confused European nations are becoming with regard to gender and sexuality. The idea that children as young as seven can swap their gender and then, if they want, swap it back again, is just bizarre.
"Far from bringing freedom or benefit to children, this move will bring greater confusion and pain. Children should be helped to enjoy and celebrate God’s gift of their gender not be taught that gender is an area of personal choice and self-definition."
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Related Coverage:
Norway to let 7-yr-olds change gender (Norway Local)
Norway proposes extending transgender rights to children (Reuters)