1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

I am deeply concerned about the Supreme Court's recent decision to allow the enforcement of a discriminatory policy that bars transgender and nonbinary individuals from accurately updating their sex markers on passports. This ruling, which permits the government to require passport applicants to select only male or female designations based on their birth certificates, is a significant setback for transgender rights and poses serious risks to the safety and dignity of transgender Americans. The policy, stemming from an executive order signed by former President Trump, declares that the U.S. will only recognize two sexes and that sex is an "immutable biological classification." This stance directly contradicts the lived experiences of millions of Americans and the consensus of medical and psychological experts worldwide. It is crucial to understand that a person's gender identity is not a threat to national security, and forcing individuals to misrepresent themselves on official documents serves no legitimate government interest. The Supreme Court's unsigned ruling claims that displaying passport holders' sex at birth does not violate equal protection principles. However, I strongly disagree with this assessment. By denying transgender individuals the right to have their authentic gender identity reflected on their passports, the government is actively discriminating against a vulnerable population and potentially exposing them to increased harassment and violence when traveling. It's worth noting that the three liberal justices dissented, with Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson pointing out that the government offered no evidence of harm if temporarily enjoined from enforcing this policy. This lack of justification further underscores the arbitrary and discriminatory nature of the decision. I urge you to take immediate action to protect the rights and safety of transgender Americans. Please support legislation that would require the State Department to allow individuals to select their accurate gender marker, including a nonbinary "X" option, on passports and other federal documents. Additionally, I ask that you speak out against this harmful policy and work to educate your colleagues about the real-world consequences of such discrimination. The transgender community deserves equal treatment under the law, and their identity should be respected and reflected in official documentation. This is not just a matter of paperwork; it's about recognizing the fundamental human rights and dignity of all Americans. Your action on this issue is crucial as the Supreme Court considers two other major cases related to transgender rights this term. Please stand up for equality and justice by opposing this discriminatory passport policy.