Oregon Governor Signs Transgender Equality Bill (TWEETS VIDEO)

In some good news, a push for less discrimination and equality for the LGBTQ has had a win in Oregon. The Governor Kate Brown of Oregon signed a Transgender equality bill and has said the government has no place in “…Dictating personal identity.”

The bill, HB 2673, has been put in place to make it easier for Transgender people who wish to amend their birth certificates and other identity certificates so they state the same gender they identify with.

This is a matter that many non-transgender people might not consider as a difficulty that accompanies being transgender. Imagine feeling you were born in the wrong body and the discrimination that comes with it. Then imagine a situation where you are asked to prove your identity and the only document you can produce does not reflect who you are. It might even add ammunition to the people who may be discriminating against you. This new bill allows transgender people the dignity and ability to attain papers that are aligned with who they are much more easily.

Transgender people are discriminated against in many ways, in the workplace, socially, and they are even murdered at higher rates. This is unacceptable and any bill that pushes for the protection of this community, is a compassionate and worthy one. With this bill and thanks to Gov. Kate Brown, Transgender people can now apply for their amended identification documents in a more affordable and simpler way.

JoDee Winterhof of Human Rights Campaign(HRC) reacted with this statement:

‘By signing this legislation into law, Governor Kate Brown is helping to make Oregon an even more inviting and inclusive place for transgender people to call home. We congratulate Basic Rights Oregon on this important victory and thank Governor Brown for her continued outstanding leadership on LGBTQ equality.’

In a tweet the Governor herself said this:

At a time where the White House is moving to take away protections from the Transgender community, this is welcome, good news.

It is also evidence that progressive policies can be achieved at local levels.

Watch:

 

Featured image via YouTube.