Government entities in the United States should persist in providing passports without specifying gender
In a landmark decision, a federal appeals court in Boston has upheld a ruling that U.S. authorities must continue issuing passports with gender-neutral options. This decision marks a significant victory for advocates of transgender rights and gender equality.
The court's decision reverses a policy implemented by the Trump administration, which only recognised the male and female genders on U.S. passports. The policy, which was a part of Trump's campaign against the "transgender agenda", also led to a halt in processing passport applications from individuals who did not identify with either gender.
U.S. District Judge Julia Kobick in Boston ordered the government to resume issuing passports with the "X" option for gender in June. This order was in response to a lawsuit filed by advocacy groups representing transgender and non-binary individuals. The Trump administration had requested a stay on this ruling, but it was denied by three judges.
The first U.S. passport with the gender-neutral designation "X" was issued in October 2021. This passport is significant for individuals who do not identify with either the male or female gender and seek to have their identity accurately represented on their passports.
The issuance of the first gender-neutral passport applies to all U.S. agencies responsible for issuing passports. The court's decision also applies to these agencies, meaning that they must continue issuing passports with gender-neutral options.
The appeals court agreed with the judge's assessment that the government's order to halt issuing gender-neutral passports would cause "immediate and irreparable harm" to the affected individuals. Upon his return to the White House in January, Trump instructed federal agencies to only recognise the male and female genders. However, with this latest decision, U.S. agencies must now continue issuing passports with gender-neutral options.
It is worth noting that the first gender-neutral passport was issued during the presidency of Joe Biden, Trump's predecessor. Biden's administration has been supportive of transgender rights and has taken steps to promote inclusivity and equality.
This decision is a step forward in recognising the rights of transgender and non-binary individuals and ensuring that their identities are accurately represented on official documents. It is a clear message that everyone, regardless of their gender identity, deserves to be respected and treated equally.
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