EU Court Mandates Recognition of Transgender Identities Across Member States

The European Court of Justice rules Romania violated EU law by not accepting a gender change made in the UK, setting a precedent for free movement rights.

The European Court of Justice ruled that EU member states must recognize legal gender changes made in other EU countries, even after Brexit.
The case involved Arian Mirzarafie-Ahi, a transgender man whose gender change in the UK was not recognized by Romanian authorities.
The court's decision emphasizes that refusal to acknowledge such changes hinders the right to free movement and residence within the EU.
Romania's previous legal stance required individuals to undergo a lengthy gender-recognition process, which the ECJ found violated EU law.
The ruling is seen as a significant victory for transgender rights in Europe, though some countries with restrictive policies may resist implementation.