U.S. Supreme Court Backs Trump Policy Restricting Passport Gender Options
The U.S. Supreme Court has allowed former President Donald Trump’s administration to reinstate restrictions preventing transgender and non-binary Americans from freely choosing their gender markers on passports. The decision effectively halts the 2021 policy introduced by then-President Joe Biden, which had removed medical documentation requirements and allowed individuals to select an “X” gender marker for non-binary identity. The ruling follows a series of legal challenges from conservative states arguing that the Biden-era rule exceeded federal authority. LGBTQ+ advocates condemned the decision, calling it a setback for equality and personal freedom. They warned it could lead to increased discrimination against gender-diverse individuals in official documentation. The State Department said it would comply with the court’s decision while reviewing legal options. Civil rights groups plan to continue their fight to restore inclusive policies recognizing the rights of all gender identities.
