Reassignment surgery not necessary to change gender markers on N.L. ID

Sex reassignment surgery is no longer required prior to changing the gender marker on birth and marriage certificates in Newfoundland and Labrador.

• Transgender activist Kyra Rees wins court battle over IDs

The House of Assembly put aside usual convention Wednesdayin order to make sure that changesto the Vital Statistics Act and the Change of Name Actpassed third reading on Pink Shirt Day, which celebrates respect, toleranceand an anti-bullying message.

"With the day of pink it shows that all members in this House of Assemblyare all concerned about this bill," said Eddie Joyce,the minister responsiblefor Service NL.

"This is a proud bill for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, that people can have pride Mr. Speaker, people now have dignity," he said in the house.

NormallyWednesdayis set aside for private members'resolutions but withunanimous consent,MHAs agreed to pass the bill.

It received royal assent later Wednesdayafternoon, which means the changes are now law.

The change comes after an order by the province's Human Rights Commission, which respondedto requestsby transgenderadvocates.

Joyce described the changes as "a positive development" that respects the rights of transgenderindividuals.

"We appreciate the important role played byLGBTQadvocates who sought this change," he said.

Two transgender women, who filed complaints with the commission, said the way the government handled gender markers on certificates was discrimination.

In July, the provincial government said it was planning to changetheVital Statistics Actduring the next sitting of the House of Assembly.

Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia have also taken stepsto facilitatea change of sex designation on certificates without people having to undergosurgery.