Our friends at Equality Maryland have issued an alert regarding a proposed drivers license policy that could have dangerous consequences for transgender Marylanders. According to EQMD:
Current Policy: To change the gender marker, an applicant must provide a physician or psychologist’s report to confirm that the applicant is in active treatment. The MVA requires annual re-evaluations until the applicant “meets requirements for permanent gender change.” If you are using a name other than your birth name, you must bring the document that initiated the change of name, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree or court name change order and your current license.
New Policy: The new policy would require an amended birth certificate. This requires going through the court system. Maryland code states that they will issue a birth certificate reflecting the proper gender only upon receipt of a certified copy of an order of from a court indicating that the sex of an individual born has been changed by surgical procedure and whether such individual’s name has been changed. You cannot change the sex on a birth certificate simply by providing proof that you are undergoing medical treatment or procedures for gender reassignment.
Obviously this is problematic for transgender Marylanders since identity documents that do not match someone’s gender could expose him or her to embarrassment and harassment. Additionally going through the added hoops (and related legal fees) are an unjust burden.
“Trans Marylanders deserve identity documents that most accurately reflect the way they live their lives, and should not be forced to pay for expensive surgeries they may not even need in order to get [identity documents]” said Sadie Baker of the DC Trans Coalition.
TAKE ACTION: Equality Maryland is asking people to contact Governor O’Malley’s office and ask him to halt the implementation of this short sighted and dangerous policy change. Visit eqfed.org/campaign/mva to take action.
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