The transgender community in New Jersey is asking the state to catch up to the federal government and allow residents to change their name and gender on birth certificates.
Jennifer Long,a transgender woman in the state and a 30 year US Army veteran, says she's been able to update her state driver’s license, and her social security card and passport,and as of this week, a key military document that allows veterans to receive their military benefits. “The federal government in all the different aspects has moved on these topics at a faster rate than the state, or ” Long said. “The final document that's left here in New Jersey is my birth certificate."Currently,residents who want to amend their birth certificates in New Jersey need to undergo a medical sex change. A bill in the legislature would allow less invasive procedures such as hormone replacement therapy to qualify.
Gov. Christie vetoed a similar bill earlier this year. A hearing is scheduled for Monday.
Source: wnyc.org