Concerns rise among queer organizations over proposed gender categorization schemes
The German Federal Ministry of the Interior has proposed a new regulation that aims to update data already stored for transgender individuals regarding their previous gender entries and first names. However, this plan has sparked concern among queer associations, who view it as a system of mistrust and unnecessary surveillance.
Alfonso Pantisano, the queer commissioner of the Berlin Senate, has described the plans as an "attack on our freedom." The Queer Diversity Association shares a similar view, stating that the collection, transmission, and disclosure of sensitive information about previous gender entries and first names should only be allowed under strict conditions.
The German Society for Trans and Intersexuality (dgti) also voices its opposition, arguing that this could be a massive invasion of privacy and a contradiction to the Self-Determination Act, which makes it easier to change gender entry and first name at the registry office from November 1, 2021.
The Federal Ministry of the Interior defends its plans, stating that the regulation is necessary to ensure individuals with changed gender entry and first name can be identified in official registers and information systems. The ministry also plans to require individuals who change their gender entry and first name in the civil registry to fill out three new data sheets about their previous gender entry.
Other authorities such as the pension insurance and the Federal Central Tax Office would be informed about the changes. The Queer Diversity Association finds it paradoxical that the disclosure ban, which prohibits the disclosure or investigation of the gender entry and previous first name without consent, is to be ensured by an expansion of the storage and transmission of information.
Certain exceptions for law enforcement or security authorities are included in the disclosure ban. Pantisano argues that systematically recording people who have freed themselves could turn self-determination into a risk index and state care into state mistrust. He suggests that the database could lead to state persecution with just a small step.
The dgti, on the other hand, urges the protection of gender and sexual identity, arguing that additional markings could increase the number of hate crimes. They fear that the creation of such registers could lead to discrimination and stigmatization of trans individuals by making sensitive information more readily accessible and potentially exposing them to misuse or bias.
In conclusion, the proposed regulation by the German Federal Ministry of the Interior to store data on previous gender entries and former first names of transgender individuals has raised significant concerns among queer associations. They argue that the measure is superfluous legally and socially and could undermine the self-determination rights of trans persons. The debate continues as the government defends its plans, citing the need for identification in official registers and information systems.
- The science community, particularly experts in health-and-wellness and mental-health, may be called upon to provide insights on the potential impacts of these proposed regulations on transgender individuals' well-being and autonomy.
- Queer associations and policy-and-legislation advocates may engage in discussions about the implications of these plans on political freedom and individual privacy, advocating for strict measures to protect sensitive information and prevent potential misuse or discrimination.
- General-news media outlets might report on the ongoing debate between the German Federal Ministry of the Interior and queer associations over the proposed regulations, with an emphasis on the controversy surrounding the balance between security and individual rights, and the potential consequences for transgender individuals' mental health and social status.
