A federal judge has ruled that transgender individuals born in Arizona are entitled to get an amended birth certificate without first having to undergo gender affirming surgery.
The judge has given the Department of Health Services 120 days to comply.
Last year, Judge James Soto ruled the state law requiring surgery to get an amended birth certificate violated individual rights, including the right to decide whether to get medical treatment.
An attorney for the National Center for LGBTQ Rights brought the case to the U.S. District Court in Arizona on behalf of transgender minors.
Soto has said the individuals cannot continue their social transition without updated birth certificates, as they could be forced to involuntarily out themselves as transgender.
Soto issued a permanent injunction with his new order. It’s not clear if state officials will appeal.
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