The bill by the liberal FDP was voted down 181 to 461, while the Green’s draft was defeated 118 to 456. Both called for a system that would allow self-determination for those aged 14 and above.

Germany already allows for a change of one’s legal sex, but activists complain that the process is onerous.

A person must show that he or she has lived for at least three years as their preferred gender and that there is a high possibility that this will not change. They also require two assessments from two different psychological experts that confirm that it is a serious request. After that, they have to apply to a judge and if everything is approved, the change can proceed without requiring any sex reassignment surgery.

Trans identified males are already competing in women‘s sports and have access to many women-only spaces.