New York Attorney General Letitia James, alongside 11 other attorneys general, has voiced opposition to the U.S. Department of State's proposed changes to passport application requirements. These changes would impact transgender and non-binary individuals by preventing them from obtaining passports that accurately reflect their gender. The coalition argues that the proposal conflicts with state laws, increases administrative burdens, and threatens public safety.
"All Americans deserve to have identification documents that accurately reflect their gender and who they are, and any attempt to take away that right is an attack on the dignity and freedom of transgender and non-binary individuals," said Attorney General James. She added that the proposed changes "threaten the safety and well-being of our communities" and create barriers to travel for transgender and non-binary Americans.
The controversy stems from a January 20 Executive Order issued by the Trump Administration, which mandates government-issued identification documents to reflect only two sexes: male and female. This order contradicts existing federal policies on gender identity, which allow individuals to align their gender markers with their identity.
Attorney General James' letter highlights potential negative outcomes of this policy change, such as outing or harassment of transgender individuals. The letter also points out inconsistencies between state laws—many of which allow for changes in gender markers without medical documentation—and the proposed federal changes.
The coalition urges the State Department to withdraw these proposals and maintain policies that respect all individuals' rights regardless of gender identity. Joining Attorney General James in this effort are attorneys general from Massachusetts, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington.