Chilean Trans People Can Now Change Name and Gender Without Having to Undergo Surgery
The Chilean House of Deputies has now passed a bill which will grant trans people the right to change their name and gender on official documents without having to undergo gender affirming surgery, the Washington Blade reports.
“Today, Chile takes a historic step forward in the inclusion of transgender identities,” said Trans rights group, Organizing Trans Diversidades.
“Let’s now eradicate transphobia in schools, on the streets and in workplaces. Today it is everyone’s responsibility to protect trans youth.”
“We were in the presence of a historic vote that we celebrate with a lot of emotion and joy because it will improve the quality of life for thousands of people who have seen their dignity and rights denied only because of prejudices based on their gender identity,” said Álvaro Troncoso of the Movement for Homosexual Integration and Liberation,an LGBT+ rights group.
The new law will allow anyone over the age of 14 to self-identify their gender, although those aged between 14 and 18 will have to get permission from their parent or legal guardian.
The bill is now waiting to be signed within the next 30 days by President Sebastian Pinera, who publically supports the new law.
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