"Norway allows children to legally change gender"

bpnews.net

"Norwegians as young as 6 can now legally change their gender using an online form -- without a doctor's approval, counseling, or surgery.

The law, adopted with a 79-13 vote by the Norwegian parliament in June, makes Norway the fifth country in the world to pass a similar law, and the second behind Malta to include children. While the process in Malta requires a parent to seek court approval for the gender change, children in Norway apply for the change using the same process and paperwork as adults.

While transgender activists celebrated the new law, experts warn treating gender dysphoria so lightly could multiply harm for children who most likely will shed feelings of confusion as they become adults.

Under the law, a person who wants to identify as a gender that does not correspond to his or her biological sex must submit an online form and return a mailed letter confirming the decision. Once approved, the individual receives a new national identification number allowing him or her to update passport, driver's license, birth certificate, credit cards, and other forms of identification. More than 250 Norwegians, including nine minors, have applied so far, and the government has accepted every application."