By Bob Katzen

The Senate 39-1, approved a bill that would allow for residents to choose a third gender option, “X” in lieu of “male” or “female” on an application for a driver’s license, learner’s permit, identification card or liquor purchase identification card. No documentation would be required for the person to choose the “X” option. The House has already approved a different version of the bill and the House and Senate will work on a compromise version.

“Massachusetts has always led on equity and justice, especially in our proud bi-partisan support of LGBTQ people,” said Sen. Julian Cyr (D-Truro). “Today the Massachusetts Senate continued that tradition by passing legislation that provides the opportunity for Massachusetts residents who are transgender or gender non-conforming to self-identify on all Massachusetts identification documents. Legislation passed by the Senate allows for accuracy, privacy, and safety for individuals who do not fit neatly into a specific gender identity. I am grateful to my colleagues for their support of gender non-conforming people. Our vote today recognizes the dignity of all, no matter their gender identity or expression.”

. “Identifying documents serve a variety of crucial purposes that help society function on a basic level,” said Christopher Jay, an attorney for the Massachusetts Family Institute which opposes the measure. “Introducing false and incomplete information into the system undermines their purpose and harms society. There is no logical boundary here. If someone can specify their gender regardless of biological fact, why not specify a different race, age, height, weight or eye color according to how the person feels?”