On Monday, activists in Puerto Rico celebrated a landmark decision by the Puerto Rico Supreme Court allowing nonbinary and gender-nonconforming individuals to update their birth certificates. This ruling permits them to select ‘X’ as a gender marker, marking significant progress in the recognition of diverse gender identities. The decision follows a lawsuit filed by six nonbinary individuals against the Puerto Rican governor and health officials, advocating for gender representation on official documents.
Pedro Julio Serrano, president of Puerto Rico’s LGBTQ Federation, hailed the ruling as a historic affirmation of equality. The move reflects ongoing efforts for expanded rights and recognition in Puerto Rico, aligning with previous advancements, including a 2016 ruling by a U.S. federal court that permitted transgender individuals to amend their gender on birth certificates.
Despite the positive reaction from activists, Gov. Jenniffer González Colón expressed caution, stating she was awaiting guidance from Puerto Rico’s Justice Department regarding the ruling. This response indicates ongoing governmental considerations of the legal and practical implications of the Supreme Court’s decision. The ruling symbolizes a critical step forward in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in Puerto Rico, highlighting the importance of inclusive policies and the acknowledgment of diverse identities within official documentation. Overall, this decision advances the dialogue on gender identity and emphasizes the need for continued advocacy for the rights and recognition of nonbinary and gender-nonconforming people in Puerto Rico and beyond.
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