By Bob Katzen
The Senate 36-1, approved and sent to the House a bill which allows the applicant on an application for a driver’s license, learner’s permit, identification card or liquor purchase identification card to designate “X” for gender, instead of male or female.
Supporters said several states including California, Oregon and Maine currently have this civil rights law that allows people to be themselves. They noted that currently a person who is non-binary or gender-fluid has no choice and must check off male or female.
“Drivers’ licenses and other forms of ID are legal documents intended to reflect objective facts, like height, date of birth, current address, and sex,” said MFI’s president Andrew Beckwith. “They are not designed to be tools for the fulfillment of someone’s sexual expression. I’m sure there are plenty of people who would rather not have their true height or age listed on their license, but that’s irrelevant. I may desire to be 6’5” or identify as a 25-year-old but I’m 6 feet zero and 41 years old, and that’s what goes on my driver’s license.”
Beacon Hill Roll Call asked Sen. Don Humason (R-Westfield), the lone opponent of the bill, why he voted against it. Humason did not respond.