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NEW YORK – A “X” gender-neutral option for birth certificates and other state-issued identification cards is now available for New Yorkers.
State Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a bill ratifying the new policy on Thursday, the 10th anniversary of New York’s Marriage Equality Act.
Cuomo, speaking at an event in New York City, called it “the next step forward.”
“Every New Yorker deserves to be free from discrimination and have state-issued identification and processes that respect them for who they are, recognize their gender identity and protect their safety,” Cuomo said. “New York continues to lead the way in ensuring LGBTQ people are treated equally in every part of the law and society, and this bill is another landmark that ensures New Yorkers can express ourselves for who we are.”
The new policy for identification after the New York State Legislature passed the Gender Recognition Act earlier this month.
Under the bill, New Yorkers can identify their sex on state-issued identification, including drivers licenses and permits, with an “X.” People petitioning a court or updating an identification document can also attest to their own gender identity without medical evidence necessary.
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