Statement From Senator Brad Hoylman On Policy Change Allowing Trans Youth To Change Gender Marker On Birth Certificates

NEW YORK CITY — Senator Brad Hoylman (D/WF-Manhattan) released the following statement today in response to Attorney General Letitia James’ announcement that the New York State Department of Health will allow transgender minors born in New York to correct the gender designation on their birth certificates:

“While the Trump Administration continues their unprecedented attack on LGBTQ rights, New York has a clear message for our transgender youth: you are valued, you are loved, and you deserved to be treated with respect. 

"I’m thrilled to hear that because of a brave young man known as M.H.W., New York will institute a new policy allowing our transgender siblings to obtain a birth certificate that reflects their gender identity. I join my fellow LGBTQ New Yorkers in thanking Attorney General James for her hard work on this case and deep commitment to equal rights.

“Now, let’s build on this success by passing the Gender Recognition Act. This legislation, which I sponsor with Assembly Member Felix Ortiz, will permanently codify this policy change into law and broadly update our statutes to ensure trans New Yorkers access a wide range of legal documents that accurately reflect their identities.”

S56B(Hoylman)/A3457 (Ortiz), the Gender Recognition Act, would:

• Add a gender-neutral marker, X, as an option for birth certificates and DMV-issued identification documents
• Remove the medical documentation requirement for gender marker charges
• Allow parents to change their own name on their child's birth certificate and choose the title "father," "mother," or "parent"
• Remove the outdated publication requirement for name changes, which could unnecessarily violate privacy and create risk
• Clarify that minors, with parental permission, are able to change the gender marker on their state-issued birth certificates