Hawaii Passes Historic Birth Certificate Bill Protecting Transgender People

WASHINGTON, DC, May 8, 2015—The Hawaii state legislature has passed a bill that eliminates barriers for transgender people to update vital identification documents. If signed by Governor David Ige, the law would enable transgender people to update their birth certificates to accurately reflect their gender by providing a doctor’s note—instead of the current required proof of expensive medical procedures.

“Millions of transgender people across the country live in constant fear of discrimination. In the workplace alone, 90 percent of transgender people experience discrimination, harassment and mistreatment.

“For transgender people who don’t have identification that truly corresponds to their gender identity, applying for a job, registering for school, and checking into a hotel while on vacation can be scary, embarrassing, and an impossible process.

“Hawaii legislature’s removal of the unnecessary and expensive surgery requirement was very important and the right thing to do. A medical procedure doesn’t determine ones’ gender identity. This bill continues the momentum around the globe to allow transgender people to live their lives openly and authentically. We urge Governor Ige to sign this measure into law,” said Kylar Broadus, Transgender Civil Rights Project Director, National LGBTQ Task Force.

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CONTACT:
Jorge Amaro
Media and Public Relations Director
213-842-7564
jamaro@thetaskforce.org