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.”
'Constantly learning' Imanaga off to impressive start with the Chicago Cubs
Shi Fu Miz 2023: Hong Kong music & art festival returns to Cheung Chau farm, expands to 3 days
Donald Trump's Georgia judge dismisses some criminal charges
Second dog infected with rare parasite babesia gibsoni
OpenAI pauses ChatGPT voice after Scarlett Johansson comparisons
Offering a chair to older colleague at work could count as age discrimination, judge rules
Hainan island: Known as 'China's Hawaii,' the vacation hotspot is also a strategic military base
VOX POPULI: Scent of snow fills the air after Tokyo receives a wet, wintry mix
Celebrity birthdays for the week of May 26
VOX POPULI: Sudden death of Navalny shows dangers of the truth in Russia
What's next for Iran after death of its president in crash?
LAUSD investigating inappropriate photos being shared amongst students at Fairfax High School