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New York Issues Its First Gender Neutral Driver’s Licenses
The state of New York has began distributing gender-neutral driver’s licenses, which allow drivers to mark a ‘X’ in the sex category.
The decision was announced on Friday by the state Department of Motor Vehicles, which called it a “historic day” and said the first gender-neutral photo IDs had been issued.
The new policy is being implemented in compliance with the Gender Recognition Act of the State, which takes effect on June 24.
Governor Kathy Hochul praised the move, saying in a statement: ‘As we prepare to celebrate Pride Month in a few days, I am excited to announce this historic change that represents another victory in our fight to help ensure equality and respect for the LGBTQ+ community.’
‘Every person, regardless of their gender identity or expression, deserves to have an identity document that reflects who they are,’ added Hochul.
‘My administration remains committed to ensuring that New York is a place of value, love and belonging for members of the LGBTQ+ community,’ said the governor, a Democrat.
Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder said: ‘Perhaps more than any other state agency, New Yorkers directly engage with their government through the DMV, so offering identity documents that are representative of all New Yorkers is a significant milestone.’
‘We are thrilled to implement this new option that we know will have a positive impact on the lives of so many of our customers,’ he added.
Before leaving in disgrace last year, former Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed a new law requiring gender-neutral identification.
New Yorkers will no longer be required to announce their name change, residence, birthplace, and birth date in the newspaper, as required by the prior legislation within 60 days of a name change.
They may also request that sex designation papers be sealed due to the possibility of violence or discrimination.
Furthermore, the statute prohibits courts from compelling an individual to notify federal immigration authorities about a change in sex designation.
