LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Several transgender, intersex and nonbinary Arkansas residents sued the state of Arkansas on Tuesday over its decision to no longer allow “X” instead of male or female on state-issued driver’s licenses or identification cards. The American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas asked a Pulaski County judge to halt the state’s decision to reverse a practice that had been in place since 2010. The new emergency rule will also make it harder for a person to change their sex on the cards. The state Department of Finance and Administration announced the change last month, and a legislative panel approved an emergency rule carrying it out. The lawsuit argues that the state did not follow the proper steps for implementing the rule, including a 30-day notice and public comment period. “By forcing plaintiffs to adopt gender markers that do not cohere to their own identities, the rule imposes a dignitary harm — one they are forced to carry around with them and relive every time they use their identification,” the lawsuit reads. “The emergency rule causes plaintiffs to suffer the stress and anxiety inherent in being told by the state that a core element of their being is not worth recognizing.” |
Changes to tenancy laws to come into force next yearTourism in Brazil up 7.8% in 2023UN expert visits Motueka to learn about Nelson Tenths caseSouth China Sea: US accuses China of 'risky' fighter jet interceptsBiden administration imposes firstMinisters announce advisory group for fastAT&T data breach: Millions of customers caught up in major dark web leakColorado reporter's expulsion from Republican gathering causes uproarTourism in Brazil up 7.8% in 2023Teenagers named as victims of Nelson off