Legislation that has cleared Oklahoma’s legislature in recent weeks states: “The gender designation in the birth certificate issued under this section must be male or female and must not be non-binary or any symbol representing non-binary notation, including but not limited to the letter “X”. The law enters into force immediately, as it was adopted by urgent definition.
The Oklahoma measure is part of a broader conservative effort to make it harder for transgender and non-binary Americans to receive gender-sensitive health care, exercise, or change their birth certificates and other identity documents to match their gender identity. LGBTQ advocates say allowing people to use non-binary gender markers can reduce the risk of harassment and discrimination they experience when their perceived physical appearance does not match gender in their identity documents. Transgender youth make up a small proportion of children in the United States – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States estimates that less than 2% of high school students identify as transgender. Health experts said the types of bills Republicans are pushing for are likely to further drive out transgender children, a group that is already battling higher levels of depression, anxiety and suicide. The Oklahoma Department of Health first allowed non-binary markers in birth certificates last year as part of a lawsuit, a decision that was overturned by Stitt in November with an executive order.
“Governor Steet and Oklahoma equality lawmakers have been ruthless in their attack on LGBTQ + rights, and especially on transgender people,” said Catherine Oakley, state legislature and senior adviser to the Human Rights Campaign. last week.
“Banning non-binary identity markers is just another attempt to erase the identities of transgender and non-binary people. This contradicts the views of the vast majority of Oklahoma residents and people across the country. “
Earlier this month, the US State Department began giving US citizens the option to choose an “X” when identifying their gender in US passport applications, joining several other countries that allow such a marker in passports.
“Transgender people are some of the bravest Americans I know, and our nation and the world are stronger, more vibrant, and more prosperous because of them. For transgender Americans of all ages, I want you to know that you are so brave. You belong. I’m keeping my back, “said President Joe Biden in a presidential proclamation last month marking Transgender Visibility Day.
Devan Cole of CNN contributed to this report.
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