Mass. Senate Passes Bill To Allow Gender "X" On Driver's Licenses
BOSTON (CBS/AP) — Massachusetts senators have passed a bill that would let those seeking state driver's licenses designate their gender as "X'' instead of "male" or "female."
The proposed change, which would also apply to learner's permits and state identification cards, now goes to the House for consideration. No documentation would be required for the designation.
On Thursday, the Massachusetts Senate voted to approve the measure after debating the bill , sponsored by Democratic Sen. Karen Spilka, who said the proposal recognizes the rights of transgender individuals.
The Gender X bill is being debated today in the State Senate. It would allow a person to mark X instead of male or female on their driver's license/ ID. @KarenSpilka speaking this morning before the debate begins. #Massachusetts @wbz pic.twitter.com/I6i89qmSoc
— Gary Brode (@GaryBrodeNews) June 28, 2018
Thursday morning, during a press conference with transgender and civil rights advocates prior to the discussion, Spilka spoke of "allowing a neutral, non-binary option" for designation on driver's licenses.
"It's a milestone. It should not be something that causes stress or conflict," Spilka said of obtaining a driver's license.
A handful of states, including California and Oregon as well as Washington, D.C., already allow the gender X designation on driver's licenses.
If passed by the House, the new rules would take effect Nov. 1.
(© Copyright 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)