Gov. Pritzker Signs Bill Removing Barriers to Access for Legal Gender Change Process

Statement

Governor JB Pritzker today signed HB0009 into law, authorizing an easier process for individuals seeking to change the gender listed on their birth certificate. Previously, amending a birth certificate's gender marker required certification from a health care professional that the individual had undergone gender reassignment surgery or other clinical treatment. The updated law allows changes to the birth certificate providing the petitioner signs a statement affirming their gender identity or intersex condition, opening an easier path to legal recognition for transgender Illinoisans.

"Here in Illinois, we recognize that gender transition is a personal journey that doesn't always follow a prescriptive medical path, but still deserves to be honored legally," said Governor JB Pritzker. "In a time of increasing violence and hateful rhetoric against the trans, nonbinary, and gender non-conforming community, it is more important than ever to reaffirm our state's commitment to recognizing the rights and dignity of LGBTQ+ Illinoisans."

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