Portugal's parliament has approved a new law making it easier for people to change their legal gender. Citizens from the age of 16 will now be able to change their gender and name in documents without the need of a medical report.

Activists welcomed the "groundbreaking" law, saying it respected the right of self-determination. Critics were against allowing changes without a medical report and lowering the minimum age, currently at 18. Lawmakers celebrated the vote of approval - by 109 votes in the 230-seat parliament - with a standing ovation.

Isabel Moreira, an MP from the Socialist Party, called this a "historic day that honours every trans person and their families". Vânia Dias da Silva, from the right-wing party CDS-PP, which opposed the bill, said: "We disagree with this law. [Those who are] 16 years old can't marry, drink, or drive, so they shouldn't be able to make a decision with such definite and serious consequences."

For those aged between 16 or 18, the change of gender will need to be approved by their parents or legal representatives. Read more via BBC