Washington State's Department of Health is considering an X gender option for birth certificates, and held a public hearing on the change last Tuesday, according to KUOW.
Oregon and California allow a third gender option on birth certificates, the non-binary designation of "X." In Washington, adults would be able to request a new birth certificate indicating a gender different from the one recorded on their original birth certificate if the change takes place. Children would also be able to make the change with the consent of their parents.
"And more people are identifying as a gender other than a male or female and there's growing demand for non-binary sex designations on all identity documents, including birth certificates," said department director Christie Spice.
The proposed rule would only allow amendments to birth certificates after the original is completed at the time of birth and could go into effect as early as next year. The state is still considering whether the proposal would cover state ID cards.
Roughly 80 percent of the people at the hearing who testified were supportive of the change, according to a report in KIRO.
"To me, laws and rulings such as this attempt to reflect the best of society. This rule would now include the best of our community and Washington in that reflection," said Megan King.
The secretary of health is expected to make a decision by the end of December.
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