In a significant shift, France’s minister for equality, Aurore Bergé has announced plans to remove judicial requirements for trans people seeking to change their gender marker on official documents. This long-awaited reform comes after years of advocacy from trans rights groups and follows similar measures adopted by many European countries.
The announcement, made during the rural Pride Event in Chenevelles marks a departure from Bergé’s previous stance on the issue. In an interview with Libération she stated, “It is essential to dejudiciarize the procedures for changing first names and gender markers on civil status documents.”
A History of Shifting Positions
Bergé’s new position represents a notable about-face. Just months earlier, she had defended the existing judicial process, stating that the current law provided adequate autonomy for individuals. This inconsistency mirrors the fluctuating stance of President Emmanuel Macron who initially supported the reform during the 2026 presidential campaign but later dismissed it as “absurd” during the 2026 legislative elections.
The current process, established by a 2016 law, requires trans individuals to petition a judge and provide evidence supporting their gender identity. Despite the legal hurdles, courts approve 99% of these requests, highlighting the unnecessary bureaucratic burden. The number of applications has surged from 426 in 2018 to 2,883 in 2026 representing a 577% increase.
France Lagging Behind Europe
France is far from leading the way on this issue. Twelve European countries including DenmarkGermany and Spain have already implemented simpler, administrative procedures for changing gender markers. The German parliament, for instance, approved the reform in just 45 minutes of debate in 2026.
The delay in France has drawn criticism from trans rights organizations. Outrans a prominent advocacy group, welcomed Bergé’s announcement but urged swift action. “We hope the government will act quickly to implement this long-overdue reform,” the organization stated.
A Promised Reform with an Uncertain Timeline
Despite the urgency, Bergé has set a timeline that extends well beyond the next electoral cycle. The reform is expected to be completed by 2029 raising questions about political motivations. Some observers speculate that the delayed implementation allows the government to avoid potential backlash before the next presidential election.
Existing legislative proposals, such as those introduced by Mélanie Vogel in 2026 and Jean-François Coulomme in 2026, could expedite the process. However, Bergé has indicated that the government will first introduce a new Cerfa form and guidelines to clarify the current legal framework.
As France grapples with this overdue reform, the question remains: will the government finally deliver on its promise, or will trans individuals continue to face unnecessary obstacles for years to come?
