A new law in New York City has given citizens the opportunity to choose gender neutral option on their birth certificate.
The New law which passed off in October, offers residents a third gender option to identify as non-binary by choosing X on their birth certificate, outside Male and Female gender.
Reports have it that a ‘self-attestation’ form would be needed to be filled by citizens willing to change gender identity. The form is also expected to reflect their true gender identity.
Parents also have the opportunity to choose the ‘X’ for their newborns.
The Hill has it that the New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio had first expressed his support for the new law upon signing, when he said:
This new legislation will empower all New Yorkers, especially our transgender and gender non-binary residents, to have birth certificates that better reflect their identity, and it furthers the City’s commitment to defending the rights of our LGBT community.
The Mayor added over the necessity of the change in a tweet. He said:
To all trans and non-binary New Yorkers: We see you, hear you and respect you.
He also said:Starting in 2019, all New Yorkers will be able to change their gender on their birth certificate to M, F or X – without a doctor’s note.
Another state expected to join in similar legislation is New Jersey. And it is to take effect by February 1.
This new legislation will empower all New Yorkers, especially our transgender and gender non-binary residents, to have birth certificates that better reflect their identity, and it furthers the City’s commitment to defending the rights of our LGBT community.
