OPPOSE the Indiana BMV’s Harmful and Costly Transgender Ban

I urge you to oppose and repeal the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles’ proposed rule restricting gender marker changes on identity documents, such as driver's licenses and birth certificates: specifically, the proposed amendments to 140 IAC 7-1.1-3, which eliminate the process for changing "gender" based on an amended birth certificate or a physician's statement and instead force ID’s to align with biological sex. A national survey from 2015 revealed that over half of transgender adults in the U.S. lacked IDs matching their gender identity. Without accurate IDs, individuals face increased scrutiny, delays, and discrimination in routine daily transactions such as banking, travel, and interactions with law enforcement. This can lead to lost time, administrative burdens, and can directly impact employment opportunities. Restrictive ID policies are associated with higher unemployment and underemployment among transgender people, leading to reduced earnings and overall economic output. Moreover, psychological distress caused by identity denial can increase demand for mental health services and negatively impact workforce participation and productivity. Employers and service providers face increased legal liability under federal anti-discrimination laws, such as Title VII and the ADA, if they require or rely on state-issued IDs that misgender individuals. Companies may experience lost productivity due to higher absenteeism, lower morale, and increased turnover among transgender employees. Furthermore, businesses perceived as discriminatory risk boycotts and the loss of contracts, especially from companies with diversity, equity, and inclusion requirements. Such policies deter new talent and businesses from relocating to our state and may encourage existing transgender residents and their allies to leave, leading to a "brain drain". Reduced employment and consumer activity among transgender individuals translate directly to lower tax revenue. For instance, North Carolina's "Bathroom Bill" (HB2) was estimated to cost the state $3.76 billion over twelve years in economic losses, including 1,750 jobs and $77 million in investments and visitor spending. Similarly, Indianapolis lost an estimated $60 million in tourism revenue due to its 2015 "religious objections" law. Defending these policies in court incurs substantial litigation and administrative costs; the ACLU has filed a class-action lawsuit challenging Indiana's ban of gender-marker changes. States with inclusive ID policies, such as Illinois and Michigan, which allow gender marker changes with minimal hurdles and no medical or surgical requirements, demonstrate a path toward economic prosperity and reduced discrimination. Prioritize our state's economic well-being and uphold the dignity of all its residents by repealing these harmful restrictions and enacting necessary changes to make identity document processes easy and accessible for transgender people.