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.
-
Find everything you need to know about elections in Arizona and Maricopa County from KJZZ's politics team. -
The Arizona Sheriff’s Association issued an open letter calling out the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office over its response to the public safety concerns surrounding the border wall construction in that area. -
In August, President Donald Trump signed an executive order mandating the creation of the country’s first U.S. Space Academy. Now, Gov. Katie Hobbs is throwing Arizona’s hat into the ring. -
Phoenix is now 10 years into its long-term transportation plan. And the city reports it’s meeting or exceeding targets so far. -
Next week on Oct. 15, the city of Mesa is hosting its annual domestic violence awareness event that will offer connection to resources and programs. This comes after Maricopa County’s domestic violence hotline shut down.
