DOH Rules Comment Page - WA State Dept. of Health

Nov 17 2017 1:09PM Recommend changing WAC 246-490-075 Changing sex designation on a birth certificate. Item (7) be changed to read: (7) The sex designation change application must include a signed statement by a licensed health care provider attesting that: (a) The person identified on the application is under the care of the provider; and (b) The provider has determined the request to change sex designation on the birth certificate is consistent with the person's identity. (8) Only licensed health care providers whose scope of practice allows for attestation of a sex designation change may provide this attestation. Rationale: No one is qualified to determine the person's identity for a birth certificate change except for licensed health care providers whose scope of practice allows for attestation of sex designation change.

Nov 17 2017 1:20PM im completely opposed to this proposed rule change. Gender type X is no more than political correct gone amok. even a transsexual after having every bit of surgery possible is still the same person they were born. sex reassignment surgery is no more than plastic surgery. the person undergoing the surgery is still geneticly the same sex they were born. nothing can change that. putting a gender type X on a birth certificate can cause all kinds of problems. a drivers license only accepts one of two genders. a passport and customs only recognizes two genders. court, police, and prison records only have two genders. a far better way to correct any perceived problems would be to submit medical records to the dept of health for a new certificate with male or female gender. after a sex change. im completely and totally against Gender type X birth certificates.

Nov 17 2017 2:04PM I fully support this initiative and would be a proud resident of this state if they decide to recognize that all individuals deserve to have their identity legally represented in official documentation.

Nov 17 2017 3:30PM I fully support this measure.

Nov 17 2017 5:34PM As a doctor and Transgender Medicine specialist, I heartily agree that this I indeed an important and necessary step in aiding transsexuals in their transition to live as their true gender/true self.

Nov 18 2017 1:21AM The proposed rule change is outside of the dept's statutory authority, it allows adults for any reason to change their sex on the BC - while ALSO it allows parents for any reason to change their sex on the BC of a child. The process of recording 'Vital Statistics' would be made meaningless. Also, the proposed rule change conflates sex, "gender" and "identity." Sex is a vital statistic; “gender” and “identity” are not. Accurate recording of sex matters, particularly to women and girls. The Dept should direct it's efforts toward studying the sudden upstick in interest in 'gender identity', especially among young people, again..particularly women and girls.

Nov 18 2017 7:40AM I support WAC 246-490-075. I do not live in Washington, but I do live in a state where I am not allowed to change my gender on my birth certificate. I identify as non-binary, and want to be recognized as that. Others who identify as neither male nor female should be allowed to have their gender recognized. They should have their basic human rights.

Nov 18 2017 10:53PM DNA does not change with sex change operations. The DNA doesn't lie. I think law enforcement and investigations will get turned completely upside down and inside out if this is allowed.

Nov 19 2017 8:49AM I fully support this! This is a great opportunity for nonbinary to reflect who they are on their birth certificate!

Nov 20 2017 6:58PM I am opposed to this as a baby is either male or female except in rare cas s. This only causes confusion and why would this even be an option? I have worked on this issue with folks de transitioning and I think this will cause way more harm. It is a trend that is nothing short of negligent to even have placed the thought to parents they can decide they're child's sex. This is the opposite of progressive. Is this part of the genderless society that some think is progressive. Absurd.

Nov 21 2017 10:12AM Genisis 1: 27 God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. We need to turn back to God and quit thwarting His ways and His Word. There are NOT more than two genders, period. So why would we twist that into more than two genders? And making people feel good about their willful twisting of the facts, should not be the reason.

Nov 21 2017 7:10PM I am in full support. Washington birth certificates do not recognize the existence of a significant number of people whose gender identity is not "male" or "female". As a family medicine doctor, I see first hand on an almost daily basis, the benefits to the individual when their gender identity is affirmed. Legal documentation is a very significant part of this.

Nov 21 2017 8:26PM I am opposed to allowing any designation on a birth certificate other then male or female. There is no other "sex" then those two choices. Clarity on the birth certificate is often the basis for many medical decisions because of the way medicines act differently on the two different sexes. To add anything else would introduce a dangerous degree of uncertainty in the medical treatment of the individual. An attempt to recognize preferred gender would only deny reality in favor of desire or delusion.

Nov 21 2017 8:47PM Our founding documents reference the Creator. That being is the Almighty God who made heaven and earth and who made humans. Scripture says, male and female created He them. The babies that humans bear are either male or female. and those infants grow up to be men and women. We are urged in the scripture "choose life." to change one's anatomy does not change the whole makeup of the human being. God does not make mistakes.

Nov 22 2017 10:50AM I absolutely oppose

Nov 22 2017 11:09AM Changing the sex on a birth certificate could allow a contracting advantage in contracting with the government. I suppose if this WAC is allowed I could change my birth certificate and win a bunch of contracts prior passed over because my bid was less than 3% higher and I was not able to use the female advantage allowed. Changing sex designation on birth certificates is politics, not correcting anything.

Nov 22 2017 11:30AM I fully support this.

Nov 22 2017 11:49AM We are a community nation wide of Men and Women, Boys and Girls, male and female, we need not be a nation of confused peoples, you are either born male or female period, this gender thing was started by democrats and very liberal republicans who have no morale compass, I say no on adding a third option to state documents, birth certificates, this is only going to get worse for those peoples who claim to identify as something else.

Nov 22 2017 1:03PM Sex should be determined by our DNA. How can an officer look for someone if they don't even know what to look for? Our officers have a hard enough time enforcing the law, please don't make it any worse.

Nov 22 2017 1:41PM I do not support this in any way. We do not need a written law to inform us of all the ways someone has thought of to confuse the fact that we are all born either male or female. Keep it simple. Let the birth certificates show factual information. We are all born either male or female. Keep birth certificates factual and dependable.

Nov 22 2017 3:16PM We are genetically male or female. We do not get to change that part. You can decide you want to be one or the other and you can chop off parts and have surgeries to change your outward physical appearance but your DNA says one or the other. This should stay as is, as fact set from the time of birth confirming it. I adamantly oppose allowing someone to change their sex on their birth certificate.

Nov 22 2017 3:34PM I oppose this 100%. You are born Male or Female and it needs to remain as such on birth certificates for statistical purposes. How you FEEL about who you are does not change the biological facts. Think about the future generations and what a mess this will be for them. The system as is has worked 100's of years until this "idea" that biological sex can be altered! It is more important to keep accurate documentation for a society as a whole than to change it for a selected few!

Nov 22 2017 3:58PM The law needs to change in order to not place roadblocks in the way of individuals that need to be identified by their correct gender. It is challenging enough to live in the wrong assigned gender, we need our laws to work for us in this very private matter.

Nov 22 2017 11:22PM I oppose this proposed rule change. If this discussion is to take place, let it occur in the halls of our legislature, where our legislators can debate in broad daylight and be held accountable to their constituents.

Nov 23 2017 4:18AM I support this initiative and applaud the state of Washington for recognizing the importance of transgendered and non binary individuals to fully transition, and that means changing documents to reflect that.

Nov 23 2017 10:05AM I oppose such an option of changing gender. I also oppose the idea that there are more than 2 genders. People may choose to declare themselves something different than male or female, but that does not change the fact they were born male or female and are male or female. Identifying as something does not alter what you are. Let's not cater to the mindset that I am what I self identify as. Let's stick with reality.

Nov 23 2017 10:12AM Human DNA has only two sexual designations, male and female. It is important to preserve the documentation of each individual’s biological sex for medical and law enforcement purposes. We cannot have factual documents changed for emotional or psychological reasons if we expect to maintain integrity in our record keeping, as well as an ability to continue to uphold the justice system. If gender identity is important to document, then it needs to be delineated separately from biological sex.

Nov 23 2017 7:18PM I disagree with this move. We are either male or female.

Nov 23 2017 7:29PM WHAT THIS WILL DO IS CAUSE MASSIVE UPHEAVAL IN MAJOR DISTURBING WAYS! How can you even be serious? We don't play God!! Why do you think you have to pretend you are not who you are created to be? Just leads to more confusion and chaos. As a RN, mother, grandmother and concerned citizen I know this is dangerous. Please don't be self indulgent and foolish. We are destroying our legacy for the future generations.

Nov 25 2017 3:54PM Re: Birth Certificate Gender Change Rule Making – SUPPORT I am writing to you in support of Washington State's Birth Certificate Gender Change Rule Making Regulatory change. Sex designations and gender identity are an issue of freedom of speech and freedom of expression, and should not be limited to “male” and “female” when those designations do not accurately represent 35% of all transgender people according to the 2015 US Transgender Survey. People should be allowed to attest to their own gender identity without confirmation from third parties. Many people do not have access to an understanding health care provider or notary public. DOH must ensure that everyone has the same access to accurate identification and the ability to elect a non-binary gender designation. The unique needs of incarcerated persons and foster youth should be taken into consideration. Self-attestation is the most accurate method of ensuring that the sex designation on a birth certificate matches the individual. This regulatory change represents a critical need for many non-binary and intersex people: as of right now, Washington birth certificates do not recognize the existence of people whose gender does not fit the traditional definitions of “male” and “female.” Thank you for recognizing that need and proposing this regulatory change. I strongly support the adoption of a regulatory change to provide for a gender marker other than “male” or “female.”

Nov 26 2017 1:02AM I SUPPORT Washington State's Birth Certificate Gender Change Rule Making Regulatory change. Sex designations and gender identity are an issue of freedom of speech and freedom of expression, and should not be limited to “male” and “female” when those designations do not accurately represent 35% of all transgender people according to the 2015 US Transgender Survey. People should be allowed to attest to their own gender identity without confirmation from third parties. Many people do not have access to an understanding health care provider or notary public. DOH must ensure that everyone has the same access to accurate identification and the ability to elect a non-binary gender designation. The unique needs of incarcerated persons and foster youth should be taken into consideration. Self-attestation is the most accurate method of ensuring that the sex designation on a birth certificate matches the individual. This regulatory change represents a critical need for many non-binary and intersex people: as of right now, Washington birth certificates do not recognize the existence of people whose gender does not fit the traditional definitions of “male” and “female.” Thank you for recognizing that need and proposing this regulatory change. I STRONGLY SUPPORT the availability of a gender "X" marker.

Nov 26 2017 6:27AM For one thing it's sex, not gender. Sex is male and female, gender is masculine and feminine. Humans are a sexually dimorphic species. Intersex conditions exist, but they are a genetic anomaly, a birth defect, not a third sex. Intersex consists of anomalous combinations of the two sex chromosomes, X and Y. For there to be a third sex, there would have to be a third sex chromosome, a Z chromosome, and three sexes would be required for human reproduction. Because neither is true, there is no such thing as a third sex.

Nov 27 2017 12:03PM Hello, I SUPPORT Washington State's Birth Certificate Gender Change Rule Making Regulatory change. Sex designations and gender identity are an issue of freedom of speech and freedom of expression, and should not be limited to “male” and “female” when those designations do not accurately represent 35% of all transgender people according to the 2015 US Transgender Survey. People should be allowed to attest to their own gender identity without confirmation from third parties. Many people do not have access to an understanding health care provider or notary public. DOH must ensure that everyone has the same access to accurate identification and the ability to elect a non-binary gender designation. The unique needs of incarcerated persons and foster youth should be taken into consideration. Self-attestation is the most accurate method of ensuring that the sex designation on a birth certificate matches the individual. This regulatory change represents a critical need for many non-binary and intersex people: as of right now, Washington birth certificates do not recognize the existence of people whose gender does not fit the traditional definitions of “male” and “female.” Thank you for recognizing that need and proposing this regulatory change. I STRONGLY SUPPORT the availability of a gender "X" marker. Kind regards, Rebecca

Nov 28 2017 10:37AM I support this rule change. I have used they/them pronouns with friends and family, in every context of my life except for work and airport security, for over a decade. I am not a man, I am not a woman. And I am currently not accurately represented by my birth certificate. || Many people avoid looking at their identifying documents because they don't like the photo. I avoid looking at mine because the gender marker makes me feel nauseous. While I could (and did) legally change my name to something less gendered, there was no officially recognized option for my gender. || With a valid birth certificate that accurately reflects my gender, I would have a solid basis to come out at my workplace and ask my coworkers to use my correct pronouns. This would be a huge improvement in my quality of life. || The requirements for minors to provide additional documentation from legal guardians and medical professionals is a reasonable set of checks and balances. The reduction in documentation for all transgender adults is a significant improvement; we can skip past telling a doctor what we already know to telling the state what we already know. No one makes these changes casually or without good reason. Thank you for respecting our self-knowledge.

Nov 28 2017 10:50AM I fully support this change. Allowing Washington citizens to officially express their proper identity will make these vital records more accurate and more useful.

Nov 30 2017 9:10PM I wholeheartedly support this.

Dec 1 2017 7:27AM I support this fully. Being able to change my birth certificate to match myself will make my life vastly easier and happier.

Dec 1 2017 6:08PM People should have the right to express their gender identity. Seems like a basic right.

Dec 4 2017 10:46AM I just cannot see any situation in which this makes sense. At its core level a birth certificate identifies and describes a specific person who is born, their actual biological gender, their family information and provides legal identification used throughout the world. Once you allow someone to change anything on that legal document it is no longer accurate. Don't like the color of your eyes when you look in the mirror, now they are blue on your legal identity, but genetically and physically they are still green. I wish I was taller, so can I increase my height six inches? No, but people want to change their biological marker. I am unhappy with one hormone, so I am going to make everyone's birth certificate invalide, or useless, so that I can pretend that the other 2,000 chemical process's that I learned about in biology that are still gender specific do not exist. Please keep these legal identification documents honest, and correct so that they remain valid and useful for all of their purposes.

Dec 4 2017 11:20AM Preferred identification has nothing to do with legal identification. Individuals will be able to utilize the system to muddy their legal identity in order to gain loans and grants reserved for persons of a different biological sex (SBAloans, college grants for women, etc.) Adding a third option eliminates descriptors for law enforcement purposes. There are already multiple examples of persons using "gender fluidity" to avoid sex offender registration. While it may be well meaning virtue signalling, passing a regulation like this will be threatening our community at large.

Dec 4 2017 11:23AM This goes against factual Science. Our DNA is either male or female. Anything that is different is rare and a mutation. Sex cannot be determined by "feeling." The very brain we think with is made of DNA that is either male or female. To put a third spot on the birth certificate is a false legal document. This is not about freedom of expression. This is pure fact. Go way a rainbow flag to express yourself, don't change fact into fiction.

Dec 4 2017 1:48PM It is in the best interest of each one of us to to deny this lie that individuals are trying to make truth. Lies hurt and destroys people. The truth needs to be taught that we are created male and female by our creator. America needs to get back to truths and stop pretending that we can live out non-reality which will eventually bring heartaches and destruction to individuals who want to live in that make believe, non reality lie. For the sake of our children and all humanity I vote NO.

Dec 4 2017 3:48PM I oppose this we are born male or female per our DNA and science nothing can change that. Allowing someone to choose what they would prefer to be is ludicrous it goes against nature especially when a child is born. How is law enforcement suppose to help anyone if they don’t know who or what they are looking for. If the dna says for instsnce male but the birth certificate says female or gender neutral. Because the parents would rather not make the choose for the sake of the child. As a society we need to stop confusing our children male is male female is female. Allow them to play with what ever toys they want, clothes they want, in a constructive manner. Stop trying to change the laws of human biology.

Dec 4 2017 4:07PM I do not believe that any changes to the options for gender or sex should occur on the birth certificate. People's Identification cards and other official documentation do not offer other options.

Dec 4 2017 4:07PM I disagree and oppose this. There are only two genders and birth certificates should say just that.

Dec 4 2017 4:10PM Just recently coming out a couple years ago as a Male to Female transgender I fully support this Change. This would have been nice to have as an option to do growing up so I could of came out a long time ago as a kid or a young adult. This will help all of us have less problems being who we were born and help all of us be stronger mentally. I would be the first to change mine from male to female for sure. So much peace of mind when this passes. Wish I could be there.

Dec 4 2017 4:39PM I do not believe that any changes to the options for gender or sex should occur on the birth certificate. People's Identification cards and other official documentation do not offer other options.

Dec 4 2017 5:34PM I believe this claim, of being gender neutral, is a self proclaimed choice. I feel when a child is born they are physically male, or female. I believe the state should leave it as such, and if the individual so chooses to be "gender neutral", then that is for them to do at a time of maturity. If this is something that is decided to continue with, I would hope that it would go to a vote. Thank you for your consideration, Kari Sween

Dec 4 2017 5:55PM I strongly feel that this is an unnecessary rule! What difference would it make? I don't see any common sense reason to have such a ludicrous rule. It only adds more confusion and extra rules that would have to follow to accommodate this crazy rule. I can think of many other things that taxpayers could spend money on besides something as insane as this. Please reconsider this!

Dec 4 2017 6:37PM I absolutely do NOT support adding a third gender neutral option for sex designation on a birth certificate. There are two biological genders - male and female.

Dec 4 2017 6:56PM Think of the trauma to a child who's birth certificate says one thing and in actuality once they are old enough to know better - are a different gender? Let's think about the child instead of ourselves?! So its the parents sex preference that will determine what this little child will be? What about the CHILD'S PREFERENCE when they become able to have sex? Isn't a baby born going to have a penis or a vagina? Isn't that what determines their gender? Isn't this really a waste of time and money and energy?

Dec 4 2017 7:23PM I feel this is not appropriate. Birth certificate s should be a record of biological identity at birth. Not a parents opportunity to make a political statement.

Dec 4 2017 8:03PM If you are going to let us all just choose what stats we want on our official documents maybe you should stop issuing them... cause they are now worthless on so many levels there is neither time nor inclination to explain it to you. Be assured by starting this crap you will do nothing but water down the term "vital statistics". Next week we change the death certificates as I find the term _________ doesn't describe how my father felt when he died! WSDH might just as well fire any classically trained medical personnel you have on staff and hire a witch DR who identifies as a infectious disease specialist.. you could pay them a Hell of a lot less.

Dec 4 2017 8:23PM I fully support adding a third gender! Way to support our non binary community. This is great progress for Washington State.

Dec 4 2017 9:29PM Three of the many reasons I oppose this proposal are as follows: 1) A birth certificate is a record of an historical event that documents a physical, observable, undeniable fact at a specific time: a baby’s sex at BIRTH. No amount of feelings, political agendas nor gender-identification issues can change a fact in history. If it is simply documentation of sex change that is wanted, this can be accomplished with other existing documents such as driver’s license or Social Security cards. History cannot be changed by altering a birth certificate. 2) As a physician, I oppose this proposal because it presents a medical risk to those who wish to change the documented birth sex. Many diseases are diagnosed and treated based on genetic gender. Any confusion with a person’s birth sex because of an ambiguous birth certificate could lead to misdiagnoses, delayed diagnoses and/or improper, dangerous treatments. 3) The strongest reason for opposing this proposal is simply the absurdity and lack of logic in the thought that there exists more than two human sexes: male and female. There cannot be a third option “X”. Logically there is no such thing as a third sex, no more so than I could declare myself to be a cat on my birth certificate. (In extremely rare cases, some babies are born with ambiguous genitalia and gender assignment can be challenging. These individuals are not a third gender-type. An embryologic malformation has occurred and has to be dealt with best possible like all congenital malformations.) As a physician, I can proclaim there are only two sexes in humans, male and female. If anyone in our so-called Department of Health who would propose otherwise, please explain how. Anyone who believes themselves to be neither male nor female is at best in denial and at worst, delusional.

Dec 4 2017 9:29PM I fully support adding a gender neutral option.

Dec 4 2017 10:21PM Please add the third designation so that those citizens who do not identify as male or female have a legal option that works for them. Thank you.

Dec 4 2017 10:55PM Washington State has a long history of leading the nation in human rights, freedoms, and issues of dignity. Thank you, Washington State leaders, for once again proposing groundbreaking legislation in inclusivity. Following the traditions of granting women the vote, passing progressive end-of-life legislation, legalizing gay marriage and marijuana, we now are recognizing that gender is not binary. Numerous cultures throughout history have acknowledged the existence of persons with blended or indeterminant gender, and it is only in recent centuries in Western nations that identity has been restricted to binary options. Thank you for bringing back dignity to all individuals who do not identify with either of the heteronormative choices, and to all of us who wish to identify and address individuals as they choose to be identified. Thank you for supporting the accuracy of information which will improve health care options, treatment, and potentially even save a life. A doctor cannot treat someone without knowing who they are. And society is not served by causing an individual to live as less than they are because of forced constraints. We need each of us to be fully realized to have a thriving society. There is little that I am aware of that more fully encapsulated the concept of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness than supporting individuals right to accurately identify themselves.

Dec 4 2017 10:56PM I do not support changing sex designation on birth certificates. This will be a nightmare as people get older. Let's think of all the legal confusion this will bring. People are male and female. This is morally wrong. How will parents know who they are letting their children be around. If I were the parent of a small child I would want to know what sex person they are around is. Please consider this.

Dec 4 2017 11:24PM I do not agree with the proposed changes allowing people to change their sex designation on their birth certificate. This change is not an accurate reflection of reality in regards to a person's sex. A person's sex doesn't change and it is in the best interests of the state to accurately record a person's sex. It is also for the safety of others that a person is not able to change their sex on a birth certificate. Anyone wishing to evade the law or gain access to victims could use this change as a way to do so. Also, a change of this nature should not be decided by a department, but by the legislature or a vote of the people.

Dec 5 2017 7:21AM As this (birth certificate) is an official document it needs to reflect the facts. I am a scientist, we need to insist that the facts are recorded, not a persons feelings, desires or wishes. The fact is, all primates (humans included) are born with sex - either male of female. Any official documents need to reflect the actual status of the person, and should be determined by a medical professional (not by the whim of the requestor).

Dec 5 2017 7:24AM I support adding a gender neutral designation to WA state birth certificates. We need to support the individuals in our communities who may be different from us. Fear of the unknown or fear of those who are different should not be allowed to prevent others from living their truth.

Dec 5 2017 7:33AM I oppose this! DNA determines gender!

Dec 5 2017 7:33AM Absolutely No !!!!!

Dec 5 2017 7:49AM This is ludicrous. The child is born with a gender, whether that person later is straight, gay, or anything else, has no bearing on the fact that. There are male chromosomes, and female chromosomes. There are no other options. This is a reflection of biology

Dec 5 2017 8:41AM I fully support this proposal. If you look at demographic facts there are individuals that do not fit neatly into M or F boxes. These may include intersex, non-binary and transgender communities and citizens. Allowing a third gender designation would give these folks better access to documentation that represents their identities more genuinely.

Dec 5 2017 8:42AM Please do not put this legislation through. It is common sense that we are one gender. If passed this will harm not only individuals, children, but our society as a whole.

Dec 5 2017 8:42AM There are only 2 sexes male and female. God chose your sex before you were born, there is no other option.

Dec 5 2017 8:44AM One can not change your sex. The gender identity rights overrule Women's rights.

Dec 5 2017 8:47AM I support transgender people and others being allowed to change sex designation on birth certificates.

Dec 5 2017 8:48AM Growing up through childhood is complicated enough, why add another layer of confusion to life. Every animal on earth is placed in one of two classes - male or female, which is a biological certainty and can not be changed or undone no matter what. For those males that want to be identified as female and those females wanting to be identified as male -- Go see a Psychologist ! This is a "Trend" -- remember the yo-yo ? The Hula Hoop ? Well now it has been taken to the extreme. Let's carry it further -- Instead of me being a senior white male how about a rule allowing me to be a: Trans black, regression aged, wanna be female (only so I can use different bathrooms when I want to scratch the itch) Stupid you say ?? Not anymore than what is going on right now.

Dec 5 2017 8:49AM This change would be detrimental and harmful to our society and especially to women and children. It is extreme and there would be no positive outcome for the people of Washington State.

Dec 5 2017 9:08AM I am opposed to an X option for gender as there is no X gender.

Dec 5 2017 9:19AM Absolutely NOT! This is a disgrace to our Heavenly Father and what He has created. It is not man's choice to change what God created. We were born male or female. We should not be allowed to change our sex just because we "feel" we should. The ways of this world as we know it are embarassing, unacceptable and have gotten out of control. We need to be honoring our bodies and the land that God provided to us, instead of destroying it. It has been predicted that these things will come about. Be careful of your choices and how you live now in these days, because it's during these times when no one is paying attention because they are so caught up in their own pleasure and decisions, that they won't see what's coming. Jesus is coming again - soon! Are you ready? Do you really want to live this way? Our world is deterioriating because of the choices we have been allowed to make. I stand for my Christian faith and know that my Lord and Savior would be disappointed if I decided to go with the ways of the world. I pray for all those that think this is acceptable that your heart and your mind will realize God's truth in all things. It is not Okay....not even as a thought.

Dec 5 2017 9:48AM There are only 2 values of chromosomes that determine the physical makeup that we call 'sex'. They are XX or XY. This distinctive, biological definition is needed in several situations. So I recommend that at the least a new field be defined for this new 'gender' preference, and the current 'sex' (some currently have it called 'gender', which would need to be changed to 'sex') should only have 'XX' or 'XY' (as opposed to 'male/female', 'boy/girl', etc). I notice that Pike Place Market has this in the tiles in the floor at the doors of the restrooms. If it works at Pike Place Market in Seattle, it ought to work most anywhere. This way it is still defined for all the necessary situations that need it, but people can still prefer whatever gender they want.

Dec 5 2017 9:53AM This type of sex designation is NOT medical. It's purely for identification purposes. Therefore the alignment of someone's genitals is not relevant. (It would also be highly illegal to subject someone to some kind of genital cross-reference to confirm ID.) I am a transgender person. When it comes to secondary sex traits (traits that are associated with a binary sex that aren't genitals) I possess many that come from male and female. I have a 'manly' voice, I have breasts, I have hair on my lip, my hips are wide, and I am taller than average. When I go out in public, they way people will gender me at random, based on their own opinions on what gender I could be. If I was going somewhere where I was having my Id checked, people would usually raise an eyebrow when they saw the F designation. For me, the F is no longer an accurate description of myself. If I was missing and police thought that they were looking for a female, it would make the search more difficult, not easier. Now based on the current system, I could change my designation to M but I think this would also cause more confusion than usefulness. If I had access to the X designation, it would be an accurate descriptor to my identification. There are people who get harassed every day due to discrepancies in their government issued ID. Some counter arguments to this is that this 3rd option is unnecessary or confusing to the current system which I don't agree with. People who don't find the option useful obviously don't need to use it. This obviously supports transgender and intersex people (1 in 1,500 people are born intersex, a medical difference that can effect cromesones, primary sex characteristics, hormones, and secondary sex characteristics. The population of Seattle is 3,478,902 which would mean that there are about 2,652 intersex people in Seattle) If you don't support transgender and intersex people then it's not my job to change your mind. But I can say that it is worth the time and effort to let this pass for my sake and my entire community.

Dec 5 2017 9:58AM This type of sex designation is NOT medical. It's purely for identification purposes. Therefore the alignment of someone's genitals is not relevant. (It would also be highly illegal to subject someone to some kind of genital cross-reference to confirm ID.) I am a transgender person. When it comes to secondary sex traits (traits that are associated with a binary sex that aren't genitals) I possess many that come from male and female. I have a 'manly' voice, I have breasts, I have hair on my lip, my hips are wide, and I am taller than average. When I go out in public, they way people will gender me at random, based on their own opinions on what gender I could be. If I was going somewhere where I was having my Id checked, people would usually raise an eyebrow when they saw the F designation. For me, the F is no longer an accurate description of myself. If I was missing and police thought that they were looking for a female, it would make the search more difficult, not easier. Now based on the current system, I could change my designation to M but I think this would also cause more confusion than usefulness. If I had access to the X designation, it would be an accurate descriptor to my identification. There are people who get harassed every day due to discrepancies in their government issued ID. Some counter arguments to this is that this 3rd option is unnecessary or confusing to the current system which I don't agree with. People who don't find the option useful obviously don't need to use it. This obviously supports transgender and intersex people (1 in 1,500 people are born intersex, a medical difference that can effect cromesones, primary sex characteristics, hormones, and secondary sex characteristics. The population of Seattle is 3,478,902 which would mean that there are about 2,652 intersex people in Seattle) If you don't support transgender and intersex people then it's not my job to change your mind. But I can say that it is worth the time and effort to let this pass for my sake and my entire community.

Dec 5 2017 10:14AM This affects my own child, and makes a huge difference in his quality of life. The science IS clear (assuming you get past the preschool level books.) Even anatomical sex is not as clear, pure and immutable as a simple one or the other. Gender which includes how you act and express and think and feel is even more complex. Life is diverse and complex. Thank you for making it a little easier for those who don't naturally fit neatly into the expected box. These changes really are life giving. I am so grateful to live in Washington, land of intelligent thought and compassionate hearts. Thank you for putting it into policy. It makes a difference to kids and adults who really need the help.

Dec 5 2017 10:22AM There are only 2 genders,make or female. To pretend There a any other is beyond insane. Why waste taxpayers time and money on such nonsense

Dec 5 2017 10:22AM If we allow this, then what is next. Do we allow people to choose whatever race they want to be because they don't identify with their true race. Do we allow them to change their address because they don't really like Washington and plan to move some day. Do we let them change their name to Jane and John doe for the parents so they aren't expected to be like their parents. Seriously ridiculous to put anything but the true biological information on the birth certificate. That was the reason they were created and the intent of their purpose. It is not a scrap book piece meant to make people warm and fuzzy.

Dec 5 2017 10:22AM When I first read this I thought to myself "is this a joke". Then to find out that the state is actually wasting tax payer money on something of this nature is absolutely appalling! Any decision should be made based solely on facts. Feelings are not a factor in this decision. The facts are simple. If you have a penis you are a male. If you have a vagina you are a female. Period! There is no in between

Dec 5 2017 10:23AM Great idea - do it!

Dec 5 2017 10:26AM Why is this even an issue? Obvious yo anyone who is sane that there are only 2 genders male and female. What s next? Dog and cat? God made you a male or female your DNA prices this. Confusion for healthcare and criminal investigations would result from such lunacy .

Dec 5 2017 10:29AM I fully support including a third, gender-neutral option for sex designation on birth certificates.

Dec 5 2017 10:32AM I am completely opposed to such a ridiculous waste of my tax dollars. I'm appalled such lunacy is even in question. I'm a tax payer and an homeowner but all these anti God liberal laws make me question staying in Washington. When I first read this I thought it was a joke. You are born either male or female. Period. Even cats and dogs know that much. God created us male and female. DNA confirms this and no amount of lunatic laws will change this. It would be confusing to healthcare and criminal investigations our law enforcement and others who may need to properly identify a person of interest. Stick with the 99 percent of tax payers who may not agree with what an adult decides to do regarding their sex but that shouldn't change who we are at birth

Dec 5 2017 10:35AM I support this change. We need to honor all people by allowing families and individuals an option that better meets their identity needs.

Dec 5 2017 10:38AM I am completely opposed to such a ridiculous waste of my tax dollars. I'm appalled such lunacy is even in question. There's no confusion except for those who don't want to fit into the gender God gave them. You are either male or female. Period. If you are confused of who you are look down your pants, the equipment God gave you is who you are. It's sickening to see how far our society will go to appease the 1 percent

Dec 5 2017 10:42AM Male female period To pretend there's anythingn else is ridiculous What s next? Identifying as a dog or cat? Black when you are white? 99 percent of us know the truth,DNA proves it. God says it. I believe it. That settles it. What a colossal waste of my tax payer dollars.

Dec 5 2017 11:00AM At the DNA level, we are all either XX, or XY. One or the other, and this is demonstrated on the outward appearance of our sexual organs. It is only a very few mutations, that are called “hermaphrodites” that are the exception, and deserve special considerations. To stray away from this very basic, and indisputable fact that cannot be changed at the DNA level, throws in a level of confusion, where there should not be one. As this confusion, is the proof, that it is not reality. Science is very clear on the DNA question.

Dec 5 2017 11:05AM I am nonbinary (neither male nor female) and I have a handful of good friends who are also nonbinary or third gender. Although its not super common, we do exist! And we are people, and citizens, just as much as anyone else is. When our community treats us like we're not real, that's pretty alienating. This erasure can make it difficult to function, especially when moving in spaces where documents like my birth certificate or drivers license don't match the way I look. This new rule is not only more compassionate and generous to every citizen, but it's more accurate. Some people are neither male nor female, and it's appropriate to have a way to mark that on official records. So, I support this rule change.

Dec 5 2017 11:12AM I fully support the acknowledgement of science and sound reasoning behind this proposed change in the WACs. Our understanding of gender has increased over time. Even the most strident in the faith community will acknowledge there is such as thing as people who are intersex, those born with obvious physical characteristics of both genders. Should we deny them the opportunity to choose the third gender option? Most of the religious people I know, after a thoughtful conversation, would concede that point. Why then would so many take offense at the notion that there are factors internally that are more than a mere feeling that run contrary and are more defining that what we can see with our eyes? Should we limit our understanding of the world to what we can physically see? The scientific evidence is overwhelming that just as hair color can be somewhere in a spectrum between black and white, so can gender. This proposed change in state policy is a compassionate move that is consistent with the best available science.

Dec 5 2017 11:20AM A Birth Certificate is a legal, NONFICTIONAL, hard-fact document showing the time and place of birth, sex, parentage and ethnicity, as well as the given name of an individual. DNA is an unchangeable and unique marker of a person's identity and sex. This document should remain constant as to the given facts and not be changed at the whim of someone's (especially a minor's) emotions or differing mindset. If a person wants to identify as a different, or even neutral sex, create a separate document stating their preferences which can be attached to the original document~~~ IF a document such as this IS truly necessary. DNA, like time and place of birth cannot be changed. Let the Birth Certificate remain solidly intact and factual. No, do not allow the choice of X on a Birth Certificate. By disallowing the X choice, much confusion will be avoided in future events. Thank you for considering my comment.

Dec 5 2017 11:25AM As I read some of these comments with fear and sadness I invite you to step into my shoes. I am the mother of an intersex child. When it came to the birth certificate it was by far the hardest decision I have ever had to make in my life. My child is both biologically and scientifically male AND female. She could not help it she was born this way. Genetically she is male but phenotypically she is female. Please wrap your mind around that before you think there is no in between. I fear for the day she learns what this really means and I fear how others will treat her. Please be understanding and be kind. If I could have listed her as an other sex on her birth certificate it could have saved me so much grief. Who am I to say what a baby born of both sexes will identify as. God made her this way so he must also believe there are more than two sexes ie male and female. My daughter is intersex and she is in between. Get over it some people are in the middle and the fact that there is not a third gender option in 2017 is alarming. Please be kind and tolerant. What if this happened to someone YOU love?

Dec 5 2017 11:44AM Section 6 of the analysis stats: "The department carefully considered gender designation options beyond male and female. Ultimately the department chose to propose a single mark (X) rather than a word or a blank write-in space to capture this information. While “X” may not represent each person’s ideal descriptor of themselves, it provides the most flexibility of the options available without the prohibitive added cost of updating the statewide data system to allow a write-in option." What this means is that the WA DoH is saying people who are not cisgender are not worth the money to represent. What this analysis is stating is that if you are not cisgender, then you are not seen as valuable and worthwhile to the state of Washington's Department of Health. Any civil servant who puts money before people, is someone who should not hold a civil servant position. People are worth more than money, and fighting for the equal rights and representation for those who do not have such privilege, is what civil servants are supposed to be doing. The cost of giving people equal rights and representation is only "prohibitive" if you believe that your bottom line is more important than people's lives.

Dec 5 2017 11:56AM I strongly oppose this change. Birth Certificate is a legal record of physical event. If any data is changed or omitted, this record will be untrue and will lose its validity. This proposition is waste of time and money.

Dec 5 2017 12:00PM I totally oppose this..

Dec 5 2017 12:07PM I am in full support of this initiative. Neuroscience proves what many scientists knew all along; gender exists on a spectrum. While the biological gender is usually manifested in the physical appearance, the individual gender identity is not immediately discernible and primarily established in the psyche of a human being. This initiative would make it easier for those individuals to better identify within the limited and outdated two gender/binary options.

Dec 5 2017 12:52PM I fully support this decision. This is common sense small changes that will ease the lives of many. Having the option to not designate or to use for intersex individuals will relieve other possible decisions with lifelong consequences in quality of life.

Dec 5 2017 1:20PM Has anyone thought about how this eliminate these folks from benefiting from federally funded programs? Until the feds recognize this as well, this may cause an eliminated class of people. I don't believe that is the goal, but a side effect of this pursuit.

Dec 5 2017 1:32PM I am transgender. I favor any legislation that helps remove obstacles from our journeys toward our authentic selves.

Dec 5 2017 2:09PM Firmly against.

Dec 5 2017 2:24PM I am a black, bisexual woman, actively involved in the bisexual community. I run a bisexual women's group of 490 women that includes all females whether they are trans-identified or not. I oppose this rule change for the following reasons: *People cannot physically change their sex. Sex is a fixed biological reality. While this rule can benefit intersex people, I think they are the only people who should be allowed to choose a non-binary sex designation or be allowed to change their sex designation on a birth certificate to the opposite sex when appropriate. Males cannot become female and females cannot become males. I might also agree that males or females who have surgically altered they bodies (i.e. removing their penis or gonads) be allowed to have non-binary as their "gender" designation but their real sex must be on record someplace so that we have accurate data. *Allowing individuals to place false information about their sex on their birth certificate prevents the state from accurately keeping track of sex-based data. The numbers for violence against women may become untrackable at some point when you allow males to claim that they are female on public documents such as their birth certificate. And it is females who will be most negatively impacted by this rule change. *Public safety. There needs to be some database that allows doctors in emergency rooms or paramedics to access real data about a person's sex. Females and males are physically different and require different doses for drugs. Giving a female a drug dosage that is intended for a male could prove deadly. Allowing people to record false data about their sex can put them in jeopardy and/or create serious delays in receiving treatment that is appropriate for people of their sex.

Dec 5 2017 2:39PM There is a stat thrown around often that talks about family acceptance and its correlation with suicide rates among queer youth in our country. I don't think it takes a great leap of logic to arrive at the conclusion that social and structural acceptance of gender and sexual identity might lower suicide rates in the queer community. And, if I'm wrong, then we'll just have to suffer through having more structured acceptance of people. I can live with that. http://guilfordjournals.com/doi/abs/10.1521/suli.31.3.250.24246

Dec 5 2017 2:47PM I absolutely oppose this! I believe in science. This makes a mockery of it. Humans are either male or female and scientifically cannot be gender X.

Dec 5 2017 2:56PM If this passes the world will see Washington State is governed by science deniers. There are only two sexes. Sex is determined by genetics. Everything else is behavior. Please don't be driven by emotion to deny objective science. This should be not be passed. It is not helpful for the people who might use it. Thank You.

Dec 5 2017 3:07PM Why are we even considering modifying basic biology to accommodate those with Gender Dysphoria or Gender Identity Disorder. This is a Mental health issue, not a issue of biology or societal norms. This is a not a area where the state should be treading. Now a parent with this disorder can have their child designated at birth as Gender Nuetral ? So the parents psychosis can in effect be forced upon their child. How hard is this to understand ? You have a Penis your a Boy, you lack one your a Girl !! This is basic biology, not a choice. I’m starting to truly believe the entire west Coast of our great country Is suffering from collective dysfunctionalism.

Dec 5 2017 3:21PM I support this proposed rule to allow individuals to amend the sex designation on a birth certificate. This affirmation will foster better physical and mental healthcare outcomes for people born intersex, transgender, or genderqueer. More and more US states and nations are adding a third gender option to birth certificates and passports and this rule change will help ensure that cis- and non-cis-gendered people can have equal protection in public records.

Dec 5 2017 3:46PM I do not believe in a 3rd designation for sex. Nor do I believe it should be allowed to be taught as an option in our public schools. God made us after his image as a male or a female, according to the Scriptures, and I believe we incur His wrath to seek to change our body to the opposite gender than the way He created it in the first place inside our mother's womb. And I do not think this should be paid for by the taxes of those in our state who do not agree with the "X" designation. This is a sad day in which we live that such as this is thought to be necessary. May God have mercy upon this state and our nation.

Dec 5 2017 4:02PM Gender is a social construct. Not everyone identifies or agrees with the assigned gender binary system (Male/Female). Please move forward with allowing a third gender option to provide inclusiveness to all Washingtonians as they fairly deserve.

Dec 5 2017 4:04PM Unless a child is actually born with the genitalia of both sexes, the child was born either male or female. That should be what is entered on the birth certificate since it is factual and accurate.

Dec 5 2017 4:06PM Thank you for this proposal. It will make our state more inclusive of transgender and gender non-conforming people. Please, though, consider removing at least one or both of the barriers (parental consent and Dr. note).

Dec 5 2017 4:20PM Yes, we should absolutely make our records able to reflect the reality that biological sex/gender isn't always just a simple binary. Not only will this make our records factually more accurate, it will hopefully push us socially in the direction of recognizing trans and non-binary people, who right now suffer from appallingly high levels of homelessness, depression, and suicide, all of which is avoidable if we can just recognize that they're people too.

Dec 5 2017 4:34PM I strongly support a third gender marker option of "X". It is an important and useful designation for non-binary, gender non-confirming, trans, and intersex people to have legal documents that match their gender.

Dec 5 2017 4:35PM I oppose this measure. A birth certificate should reflect the facts of birth not preferences or changes developed later.

Dec 5 2017 4:39PM i am apposed to this. you cannot change the DNA you are born with, it impossible. what kind of generation are we raising up by telling children they can choose what gender they want to be.

Dec 5 2017 4:41PM Don’t know why you need a comment for no when you don’t need a comment for yes, but there is only two sex’s you are born with. Per science ?? so don’t need a third. Just dumb

Dec 5 2017 5:11PM I do not concur. The birth certificate is a medical document that is issued at birth. Like any other medical document, it reflects the facts at time of birth. This legal medical document should reflect this objective medical information as any other medical document.

Dec 5 2017 6:25PM I'm against this Political Correct nonsense.

Dec 5 2017 7:35PM Stopping people from having the documentation to back up the way they live their lives is nothing but cruel. This change will not harm anyone.

Dec 5 2017 9:09PM I believe adults should be able to easily and cheaply get their paper documents to match the gender identity they are living their life as...including a nonbinary x option. It will harm no one else and will give them optimal freedom in being identified correctly. We change birth certificates for adopted children so it isn't like there isn't precedent for how to do this already. Let us show the transgender/non binary community Washington State cares for them.

Dec 5 2017 10:00PM As a physician and a parent, I absolutely support this measure. Nobody makes this move lightly; the people I know that have done it (multiple patients and one friend) have been far happier for having made the change. This hurts no-one and helps many, please pass this.

Dec 6 2017 7:19AM

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