PRAGUE (AP) — The Czech Republic’s highest court on Tuesday ruled to dismiss part of a law requiring people to undergo gender-affirmation surgery, including sterilization, in order to officially change their gender.
The Constitutional Court said the requirements are “unconstitutional” and “in conflict with the fundamental right of trans people to have protected their physical integrity and personal autonomy in connection with their human dignity.”
Only two of the court’s 15 judges opposed the verdict, which cannot be appealed. Lawmakers must change the affected sections of the law by the middle of next year.
The court ruled at the request of a person who was seeking a gender change. The authorities refused to register him as a man because he had not undergone surgery.
The Czech practice was criticized by LGBTQ+ rights groups.
The Czech Republic, also known as Czechia, was one of the last European Union countries to have such conditions in law.
'Not just Māori but all of us'
Police, iwi and gangs hold hui after rugby club van shot at
Truancy: Why it matters, what the law says and what is being done about it
It's (almost) Met Gala time. Here's how to watch...
Poppies to be replaced as Dannevirke RSA announces it won't be putting them on graves
Opportunities Party leader Raf Manji resigns
Hubei eases limits but new China cases up
Auckland lodge fire: Caravan user forced to stick to one set of clothes
John Swinney expected to lead Scotland after being confirmed as Scottish National Party leader
China lifting lockdown of Hubei province