We are re-introducing a package of legislation aimed at removing barriers transgender individuals, gender non-conforming individuals, and members of the LGBTQ community face when changing their name in the Commonwealth. Since first introducing these bills in 2022, the scapegoating of trans and non-binary people in service of the rapid dismantling of democracy has increased exponentially. Let us be clear. No executive action can change the law or the constitution. And no order or law will erase trans people from existence. Beyond deserving to live, trans kids and adults deserve to thrive. Transgender people have the right to live freely and safely – and that includes having legal documents that reflect their authentic selves. The bills in this package are intended to make that a little easier.

Our offices would like to be a resource for trans people and their families. If you or anyone you know is looking for help changing your name or needing other forms of support, please contact one of our offices. We would be honored to serve you, regardless of where you live in Pennsylvania.
 
In a policy hearing in June of 2021, we heard extensive testimony from people with lived experiences around the name change process in Pennsylvania. Part of this testimony recognized the difficulties and discrimination individuals who do not conform or identify with the gender on their government issued IDs face. While the current administration has worked to address some of the difficulties of getting state issued IDs with gender neutral designations by simplifying the process on Driver’s Licenses, there are still tremendous hurdles when it comes to the overall process for individuals to change their name and change their sex, particularly on birth certificates. By removing sex designations entirely, we can remove the barriers of acquiring gender-affirming birth certificates.  
 
As recently recommended by the American Medical Association, removing sex designations on birth certificates will prevent many problems transgender individuals face by having a different gender identity on this foundational document. This legislation would remove sex from PA birth certificates, but will still ensure that an individual’s sex designation at birth continues to be reported through the separate U.S. Standard Certificate of Live Birth system. The AMA notes that “removal of sex designation from the birth certificate would have little to no impact on vital statistics data collected for medical, public health, and statistical purposes.” 
 
This is not a new idea. Birth certificates used to include the race of individual’s parents which had historically been used as a part of systemic discrimination. Similarly, non-binary individuals face discrimination from not having gender-affirming documentation. While removing sex from birth certificates will not fix the discrimination these individuals face it can, at least, remove one obstacle they face.  
 
Please join us in co-sponsoring this legislation. 
 

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 435 (Mar 19, 2025): P.L.304, No.66
Printer's No. 0435: P.L.304, No.66