Canada introduces 'X' category in passports for third sex to ensure gender equality
The government has issued a statement where they said a category will be included in the passports for all those people who identify themselves as neither male nor female.
Apart from passports, the category will also be included in all documents issued by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
The statement reads: "An “X” will make it easier for people who do not identify as female (“F”) or male (“M”) to acquire passports and other government-issued documents that better reflect their gender identity."
The IRCC will be the first department of Canadian government to introduce a third category.
Earlier in the summer, Bill C-16 amended the Canadian Human Rights Act to include gender identification as the prohibited grounds of gender discrimination.
"The Government of Canada will continue this important work in developing a consistent federal approach to how its programs and services collect, use and display sex and gender information so Canadians can have their gender more accurately reflected in government documents while also protecting their privacy," the statement reads.
Regarding the move, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Ahmed Hussen, said: "All Canadians should feel safe to be themselves, live according to their gender identity and express their gender as they choose."
"By introducing an “X” gender designation in our government-issued documents, we are taking an important step towards advancing equality for all Canadians regardless of gender identity or expression” Hussen added.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in November 2016 appointed Randy Boissonnault, Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre, as a special Advisor on LGBTQ2 issues.
The bill was passed in June 2017. The Canadian PM announced the passing of the law on Twitter in June where he said: "Great news: Bill C-16 has passed the Senate – making it illegal to discriminate based on gender identity or expression. #LoveisLove."
Great news: Bill C-16 has passed the Senate – making it illegal to discriminate based on gender identity or expression. #LoveisLove
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) June 16, 2017
(Reporting by Souvik Ghosh)
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