Texas DPS Stops Allowing Gender Changes on Driver’s Licenses
In a controversial move, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) announced that they will no longer be accepting court orders to change the sex on individuals’ driver’s licenses to match their gender identity. This decision has sparked outrage from civil rights groups who are now considering legal action against the DPS.
The policy change was revealed through a leaked email that instructed DPS employees to reject court orders and amended birth certificates that differ from the information already on file. Additionally, employees were directed to collect information from individuals seeking to change their gender and submit it to a specified email address.
According to a statement from DPS, the directive came from the Office of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who raised concerns about the validity of court orders that order state agencies to change individuals’ sex in government records without proper legislative authority.
Representatives from the ACLU of Texas have criticized the policy change, calling it legally questionable and potentially discriminatory. They are currently reviewing their options, including legal action, to address this issue.
Advocacy groups for transgender Texans have also spoken out against the decision, highlighting the importance of having identification that aligns with one’s identity. They argue that this policy change not only undermines the dignity and respect of transgender individuals but also creates practical complications for them.
Transgender Texans who have gone through the process of obtaining a court order for a gender change on their driver’s license have described it as a transformative experience. However, with this new policy in place, they face uncertainty and potential setbacks in their ability to obtain accurate identification.
As the debate continues, transgender advocates are calling for transparency and accountability from Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office, questioning the motives behind this restrictive policy. The fight for transgender rights in Texas continues, as the community faces ongoing challenges and obstacles.
For more information and updates on this issue, stay tuned to KHOU 11 News.