Moderaterna Calls for Review of Sweden’s 2025 Gender Identity Law Amid Safety and Misuse Concerns

Sweden’s Moderate Party (Moderaterna) has announced plans to review the gender identity law that took effect on July 1, 2025, amid growing concerns about its implications for public safety and potential exploitation by criminals. The law, designed to simplify the process of legally changing gender, notably lowered the minimum age from 18 to 16 years with parental consent and removed the requirement for a gender dysphoria diagnosis, now only requiring a certificate from a healthcare professional.

The review was outlined in a joint debate article in Aftonbladet by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer, and Social Services Minister Camilla Waltersson Grönvall. They highlighted the need to assess the increase in applications for legal gender changes and the broader impacts of the law. Moderaterna is particularly concerned about situations where biological sex is not given adequate consideration. They pointed to cases such as a father sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his two children who changed his legal gender to female and was subsequently placed in a women’s prison, raising safety concerns for women.

The party emphasized that while the law was motivated by respect for individuals whose gender identity does not correspond with their registered gender, it must not be exploited by convicted criminals. Moderaterna advocates for stronger safeguards to ensure that criminals cannot misuse the law to evade law enforcement or undermine public safety. They also propose clearer rules in areas such as prison placements, changing rooms, and sporting competitions to better protect women.

The proposed review seeks to ensure the legislation fulfills its original intent without unintended consequences. The review will involve examining the law’s real-world effects and determining potential adjustments related to how biological sex is factored into legal and social frameworks.

Moderaterna’s calls for a structured evaluation reflect ongoing political and public debate in Sweden about balancing transgender rights with concerns over safety and criminal justice. The review aims to provide clarity and ensure fair, secure implementation going forward.