The German parliament has approved plans to relax strict restrictions on family names — clearing the way, among other things, for couples to take double-barreled surnames and pass them on to their childrenBERLIN -- The German parliament on Friday approved plans to relax strict restrictions on family names — clearing the way, among other things, for couples to take double-barreled surnames and pass them on to their children. As it stands, parents are required to give their children one of their surnames. One partner in a married couple — but not both — can add the other partner’s name to his or her surname. The new system still won’t allow names that are more than double-barreled. It also is making it easier for transgender, intersex and nonbinary people to change their name and gender in official records.

Source: ABC News May 18, 2024 00:08 UTC