Kansas Must Stop Changing Trans People’s Sex Listing on Driver’s Licenses: On July 1, 2023, a new law went into effect in Kansas that prevents transgender people from changing the sex listed on their driver’s licenses. This law is discriminatory and harmful to transgender people, and it must be stopped.
The law, SB 40, defines “male” and “female” as “biologically determined sex at birth.” This definition excludes transgender people, who may have been assigned a different sex at birth than their gender identity. As a result, transgender people who have changed their gender identity may be forced to continue using a driver’s license that lists their sex incorrectly.
This can have a number of negative consequences for transgender people. For example, it can make it difficult to travel, open a bank account, or get a job. It can also make transgender people feel unsafe and discriminated against.
U.S. Supreme Court has ruled
The law is also unconstitutional. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that the Fourteenth Amendment guarantees the right to equal protection under the law. This means that the government cannot discriminate against people on the basis of their sex. The law SB 40 clearly discriminates against transgender people, and it is therefore unconstitutional.
I urge the Kansas legislature to repeal SB 40. This law is discriminatory and harmful to transgender people, and it has no place in our state.
In addition to repealing SB 40, the Kansas legislature should take steps to ensure that transgender people are treated fairly and equally under the law. This includes passing legislation that would allow transgender people to change the sex listed on their driver’s licenses, as well as other important identification documents.
Transgender people deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. They should be able to live their lives without fear of discrimination or harassment. The Kansas legislature should take action to ensure that this is the case.