End Forced Sterilization for Transgender People in Sweden

Target: Leader of the Christian Democrat Party of Sweden, Göran Hägglund

Goal: To convince the right-wing politicians of Sweden to stop supporting forced sterilization of transgender individuals.

In Sweden, a law was passed in 1972 that required individuals to be 18 or over, a Swedish citizen, sterilized, and unmarried in order to undergo a sex change. This means that in order for someone to officially update their gender on official ID papers, they are legally required to be divorced or single, and sterilized. This law remains intact to this day.

Not all of the politicians in the Swedish Parliament support this law. Both the Moderate Party and the Liberal Party have expressed the desire to repeal it. However, the sterilization law is still supported by the Christian Democrat Party, who formed a coalition with other right-wing parties to uphold it. There has been a proposal to modify the original 1972 law by removing the requirement for the trans person to be unmarried, but the sterilization requirement remains firmly in place. Göran Hägglund, the leader of the Christian Democrat Party, argues that more time and consideration is needed before measures are taken to remove it.

It is shocking that such a law would need to be examined further in a country that has such a good track record for LGBT rights. Forced sterilization is a barbaric practice that should never be used against innocent individuals. Sign this petition to tell Göran Hägglund to reconsider his position on this issue, and to convince other politicians to do the same.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Göran Hägglund,

The forced sterilization law that was passed in 1972 is both unnecessary and barbaric. It is very concerning that you believe such a law needs further reconsideration, rather than simply being repealed straight away. Because you are in a position of influence with other Swedish political leaders, we are urging you to reconsider your position on this issue, and to urge your colleagues to do the same.

A person’s gender identity poses no threat to society, and such a thing should not be regulated to the point of forced sterilization. Sweden is overall a safe environment for queer people, and we hope you will join the ranks of those who have made it that way.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]