Nova Scotia to Allow Gender-Free Options for State ID

The Canadian province of Nova Scotia will now allow residents to choose an “X” option as their gender – or not display their gender at all – for official state ID cards, driver’s licenses and birth certificates.

“A priority for our government is making sure we are as inclusive and diverse as possible, and making sure all our residents feel safe and that they have a place here,” said Patricia Arab, the minister of internal services.

“This isn’t the last step in the conversation but it’s certainly a significant move to make sure that we have a safe and inclusive community here in our province.”

Arab also announced that the traditional fee for replacing an official document will be waived for those wishing to correct their gender.

“Making these changes is a simple thing that will help protect people of diverse gender identities from harassment and discrimination,” added Susan Leblanc, the Nova Scotia New Democratic Party’s spokesperson on LGBT+ issues.

“Today is an important day in the advancement of 2SLGBTQ+ rights and a win for those who have fought so long for this. Including an X as an option on provincial IDs means people aren’t restricted in how their gender is represented on official documents.”

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