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D.C. council OKs new rules for transgender people to obtain new birth certificates

D.C. council OKs new rules for transgender people to obtain new birth certificates

WASHINGTON — The District of Columbia city council has approved a bill that would make it easier for transgender people to obtain new birth certificates reflecting their change in gender identity.

In a unanimous vote Wednesday evening, the 13-member council approved a measure to ease restrictions on gender identity changes by requiring only a certified statement from a medical doctor.

Previously, a change would have required public notification in classified newspaper advertisement and surgical requirements.

The new law would allow for the issuance of a new birth certificate rather than simply amending the original.

Transgender activists say amended birth certificates often lead to challenges and subject them to discrimination and invasion of privacy.

A spokesperson for Council member David Catania (I-At-Large,) who sponsored the measure, told LGBTQ Nation on Friday that D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray has indicated he will sign the bill sometime in the next week.

Because of the District’s home rule charter, the bill remains subject to approval by Congress.

One source told LGBTQ Nation the legislative review most likely would not be completed until November due to upcoming congressional recesses.

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