NEWS / Maryland lawmakers seek to allow third gender marker on birth certificates

The Senate and House of Delegates of the State of Maryland is considering a measure that would add a third “X” gender marker to state-issued birth certificates. The proposal came immediately after newly inaugurated President Donald Trump ordered the federal government to consider “male” and “female” as the only two genders.

The proposed Birth Certificate Modernization Act would also make it easier to amend the gender marker on birth certificates, driver licenses, and state IDs, with a neutral third gender option available on all 3 documents. The act would also prohibit the document’s amendment history from being displayed on that document.

“This bill will ensure that people can obtain documentation that matches who they are,” the bill’s sponsor, Senator Clarence Lam, a Democrat representing Anne Arundel and Howard counties, was quoted by Capital News Service as stating.

Lam also underscored the importance of swift action on the bill, in wake of President Trump’s statements and executive orders.

“All we can do at the state level is to further uplift and support the rights and priorities of our LGBTQ community,” he stated, “to ensure that we continue to take steps to move forward, even if the federal government decides to take steps backward.”

Lam went on to say that many supporters of the bill are concerned about potential changes that may occur at the federal level that could restrict transgender rights.

Under current Maryland law, individuals can apply to get their gender amended on birth certificates, identification documents, and other vital records, but must provide a note from a physician proving that the individual has transitioned to a different sex. Lam noted that even under current legislation, individual can change federal documents, such as passports, without the need to provide such documentary proof.