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New York proposes bill to simplify the self-ID process for trans people

Rachel Badham June 11, 2021

The New York Senate has recently passed a bill that strives to make the process of changing gender markers on legal ID documents easier for trans citizens, as well as removing the need for trans people to obtain medical approval before doing so. Senate Bill S4402B was first introduced by senator Brad Hoylman and assembly member Daniel O’Donnell, with the aim to amend the “civil rights law to update the publication requirement following a name change on a birth certificate.”

Brad Hoylman

Hoylman, the only out gay member of the New York Senate, explained the bill on Twitter, saying it “makes it easier for transgender, gender non-conforming, non-binary & intersex NYers to update & obtain government-issued ID documents that accurately reflect their gender identity.” The act would also allow for non-binary and gender non-conforming citizens to add a gender-neutral ‘X marker’ on ID documents.  

Daniel O’Donnell

Speaking to The Hill, O’Donnell said: “We are supposed to be free, and we’re all living in America where we are protected by a constitution. Nowhere does it say that these rights don’t apply to one group of people.” He aims to keep pushing for trans rights in the state, and hopes Senate Bill S4402B will now be passed by the assembly so that it can be delivered to the governor before becoming law.

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