The push for gender-neutral language in legal settings is gaining momentum, sparking discussions and revisions in various jurisdictions worldwide. Advocates argue that using inclusive language promotes equality and ensures that legal processes are fair and respectful for all individuals, regardless of their gender identity.
In Poland, a draft regulation is set to introduce gender-neutral terms like "first spouse" and "second spouse" in official documents. This change also involves updating parental data fields and modifying provisions related to spouses' names on records and certificates. The move follows a decision by the EU Court of Justice in November 2025, which mandates that all EU countries recognize same-sex marriages performed in other member states, even if national laws do not. The EU court emphasized that denying recognition to these marriages infringes upon the rights to freedom of movement and residence, as well as the right to privacy.
Meanwhile, in the United States, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has recently rescinded guidance from the Biden era concerning transgender rights in the workplace. This rescission eliminates the requirement for employers to provide accommodations related to bathrooms, dress codes, and pronouns to applicants and workers. While a federal judge had already struck down parts of this guidance in May 2025, the EEOC's formal removal signals a shift in federal priorities under the Trump administration, which has pledged to remove gender ideology from agency materials. Despite this change, existing laws prohibiting employment discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity remain in effect, and many state and local laws continue to offer protections for LGBTQ+ individuals.
In Brazil, a high court made an unprecedented decision in May 2025 by allowing a person to identify as gender-neutral on official documents. The ruling, made by the Superior Court of Justice in Brasilia, involved a case where an individual sought a gender-neutral designation on their birth certificate after regretting a previous gender affirming hormone treatment. Judge Nancy Andrighi, who described the issue as dramatic, stated, "This human being must be suffering greatly".
These developments highlight the complexities and ongoing debates surrounding gender identity and legal recognition. While some regions are embracing gender-neutral language and inclusive policies, others are reinforcing traditional gender norms. The legal landscape continues to evolve as courts grapple with issues related to same-sex marriage, transgender rights, and the fundamental principles of equality and non-discrimination.
