By CHAT News Today

Albertans can now choose “X” gender marker on driver’s licences

Jun 8, 2018 | 4:48 PM

EDMONTON — Albertans can now choose between three options when specifying their gender of driver’s licences and other identity documents.

The NDP government unveiled the changes in Edmonton on Friday, now allowing people to choose between male, female and “X” on their driver’s licenses, identification cards and other documents, such as birth and death certificates.

“It matters how we treat one another,” said Premier Rachel Notley in a statement. “By introducing an “X” marker on official documents, we are responding to concerns of the community and advancing equality for all Albertans, regardless of gender identity or expression. This is another step forward in making sure Alberta is a province that respects, protects and advances human rights.”

The “X” supports transgender people, those who are transitioning and people who don’t identify with a specific gender.

Applicants over the age of 12 no longer need a supporting letter from a medical professional to make changes. Consent from parents and guardians is still needed for applicants between the age of 12 and 17, while those over the age of 18 can self-declare their marker.

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Alberta was the first Canadian jurisdiction to introduce legislation that enabled the “X” marker, and joins four others in adopting an “X” marker on identity documents.

The “X” marker on provincial documents aligns with other jurisdictions and federal processes so Albertans can easily access services such as health care in another province, or apply for a passport, the government said.