A coalition of transgender plaintiffs has filed a lawsuit targeting a newly implemented federal policy that restricts changes to the gender designation on U.S. passports. The lawsuit, filed against President Donald Trump and the U.S. State Department, argues that the new rule violates the rights of transgender individuals by mandating that passport gender markers align strictly with the sex listed on an individual’s original birth certificate.
The plaintiffs contend that the policy imposes undue harm on transgender Americans by denying them identification that accurately reflects their gender identity. The lawsuit asserts that the rule undermines their safety, dignity, and ability to travel freely.
The contested regulation reverses previous guidance that allowed individuals to alter the gender on their passports with a physician’s certification confirming gender transition. Advocates and civil rights groups argue this shift represents a significant setback for transgender rights under federal law.
The State Department has not yet issued an official response. Legal experts anticipate the case could set an important precedent for future policies regarding identification documents for transgender individuals.
This legal challenge adds to a broader national debate over transgender rights in the U.S., particularly those concerning access to public services and official recognition of gender identity.
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