Vermont Governor Phil Scott yesterday signed a bill into law allowing residents of his state to amend their birth certificates to match their gender identity.
“Working to make our state more welcoming and inclusive for all must be a priority, and this is another important step towards that goal,” Gov. Scott wrote in a statement, which noted that he was “happy to sign” this bill into law.
Reports VT Digger:
Championed by Rep. Taylor Small, P/D-Winooski, H.628 will allow Vermonters to attest to their own gender identity, streamlining a process that currently involves doctors, judges and extensive documentation. The bill will also allow Vermonters to identify by a third gender marker, X, on their birth certificates, bringing Vermont in alignment with 14 other states and Washington, D.C.
“The meaning of this bill is so much greater than just thinking about birth certificates,” Small said Wednesday. “It’s a symbol of all of the obstacles that trans people, and in particular trans youth, go through just to see themselves validated.”
In addition to streamlining the amendment process, Small said allowing Vermonters to self-attest their gender will put the power in their own hands, and send the message that the state believes and affirms their identity.
It’s a sharp contrast to a wave of bills and executive orders being approved in states across the country that take aim at trans people, particularly trans youth. Small said trans youth are watching what happens in statehouses, including Vermont’s.
“I think the message that this bill sends nationally is that Vermont is that welcoming place, that we are a state of refuge for LGBTQ people,” she said. “Instead of consideration of bills that are targeting and really invalidating trans identities, what we’ve done for the past two years is make significant steps forward in honoring our LGBTQ community members and recognizing the importance of that community here in Vermont.”
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