New York lawmakers pass bill allowing gender-neutral ‘X’ on state ID

New York state lawmakers passed a bill on Thursday that will make it possible for people who identify as neither male nor female to have a gender-neutral “X” to designate their gender on birth certificates and driver licenses. 

The legislation now heads to Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) for signature. 

According to text from the Gender Recognition Act, courts would no longer require medical evidence once an individual petitions to either change their gender identity on an existing document or recognize their gender. Individuals would also not be required to have the notification of a name change published in a newspaper when they’ve changed their name in the state, which was a previous requirement.

Additionally, the law would also allow parents of a child who has changed their gender identity to amend their status on their child’s birth certificate as either “father,” “mother,” or “parent.” 

New York Assembly member Daniel O’Donnell (D), who sponsored the bill, tweeted on Thursday, “NY is sending a clear message to the trans, nonbinary, and intersex community: you are seen and you are valued.” The news comes just days into June as members of the LGBTQ+ community celebrate Pride Month.