State Now Adds 'Third' Gender Option to Birth Certificates

Beginning January 27th in Washington state, people will now have the option to change the sex on their legal birth certificate to "x" instead of male or female.

The State Department of Health issued a statement Thursday saying in part:

"After receiving and considering public comment, the agency determined that this rule change will provide individuals with the option to have a birth certificate that aligns with their gender identity.

The new section (WAC 246-490-075) of the current Washington Administrative Code 246-490 establishes requirements for individuals who want to change the sex designation on their birth certificate to male, female, or “X”.

The rule:

Adds “X” as an approved sex designation option,
Removes the requirement for medical attestation for adults making a request, and
Expands the list of licensed health care professionals who can attest to the gender change for minors.

Minors wanting to change their sex designation must have written consent of their parent or legal guardian and an attestation by a licensed health care professional."

You can get more information by clicking here for the DSHS page on this matter.