Decision affects trans community by restricting gender changes on official documents in the state
Previously, transgender people in Texas could update their gender markers on their documents by submitting an amended birth certificate. However, guidance on how to make this change has been removed from the Department of Public Safety (DPS) website.
A DPS spokesperson explained that the Texas Office of the Attorney General (OAG) raised concerns about the validity of court orders directing state agencies to change the gender of individuals on government records. According to DPS, the lack of legislative authority and clear evidentiary standards for issuing such court orders led to a legal review that resulted in the suspension of the acceptance of such orders to change the gender marker on identification documents.
The decision has sparked criticism and concern among LGBTQIA+ rights groups, who see the measure as a direct attack on the autonomy and identity of trans people. Without the ability to change their documents, many trans individuals in Texas face the risk of constant exposure to discrimination and stigmatization, as well as difficulties in accessing essential services that require identification consistent with their gender identity.
The impact of the change is profound, as it makes it harder to officially recognize trans identities, a step that is essential for inclusion and equal rights. Human rights organizations are already mobilizing efforts to challenge the decision, arguing that it infringes on the fundamental rights of trans people by denying them the right to live in accordance with their gender identity.
By Ezatamentchy
Source: Maxima
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