NDP call for gender-neutral identification options in Nova Scotia

Change would help prevent harassment and discrimination

HALIFAX –In recognition of the Transgender Day of Remembrance, the NDP Caucus is renewing its call for gender-neutral options for provincial identification.

“This is a simple thing on the part of the government,” said NDP Leader Gary Burrill. “Removing this information is a small measure that can help guard people of diverse gender identities from harassment and discrimination.”

The NDP introduced legislation in the Fall of 2016 that would have eliminated gender markers on Nova Scotia health cards and allowed an “X” as an additional gender option on drivers’ licenses and other provincial IDs.

Ontario has already moved in this direction and several countries including Australia, New Zealand, and Denmark, have implemented diverse options for gender on identification documents.

“The NDP made Nova Scotia one of the first provinces to include gender identity and expression in our Human Rights Act,” said Burrill. “Removing gender markers from provincial ID would demonstrate this province’s continued commitment to improving the lives of trans and gender nonconforming people.”

This week, the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission with South House will be holding consultations on gender-neutral identification.

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