New York City to offer third gender option on birth certificates
The new ruling will come into effect on January 1, 2019.
New York City will begin offering a third gender option on birth certificates to anyone born in the city.
The New York City Council passed legislation on Wednesday (September 12) to add category X to birth certificates, allowing adults the option to change the gender that was originally listed on their birth certificates without clearance from a doctor or health care provider.
In addition, parents can select the X option for their newborns under the new ruling. City Council Speaker Corey Johnson, who introduced the legislation in June, said in a statement: “Today is a historic day for New York in its role as a worldwide champion for inclusivity and equality.
“I especially want to thank the LGBTQ community for their advocacy work on this issue to keep New York City in its rightful place as a leader in human rights.”
Mayor Bill De Blasio, who backed the policy, is expected to sign the bill, bringing it into effect from January 1, 2019.
New York City will now join Oregon, California, Washington and New Jersey in allowing a third gender option on birth certificates.