Arkansas to prohibit ‘X’ on licenses, requires gender to align with birth certificate
Arkansas Governor Bans “X” on Driver’s Licenses, Requires Gender Identification
In a bold move, Arkansas Republican Governor /topic/sarah-huckabee-sanders” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Sarah Sanders announced on Tuesday that the state will no longer allow the use of “X” as a gender designation on driver’s licenses. Instead, individuals must be identified as either male or female, according to a statement shared exclusively with The Daily Wire.
Common Sense Prevails
Sanders’ office revealed that the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) will be revoking previous administrative procedures that permitted the use of an “X” designation. From now on, the gender on the ID must align with the gender specified on the individual’s birth certificate.
When asked about the policy, Sanders stated, “This policy is just common sense. Only women give birth, men shouldn’t participate in women’s sports, and there are only two genders. As long as I’m Governor, Arkansas state government will not endorse nonsense.”
Transition Period and Compliance
Current Arkansas residents who already have an “X” on their IDs will be allowed to continue using them until they expire. However, upon renewal, they will need to update their IDs with either male or female. The new policy requires the gender marker to be in accordance with the individual’s original or amended birth certificate.
The use of “X” on IDs was initially introduced in 2010 but caught the attention of DFA Secretary Jim Hudson during his review of department policies in August 2023. Hudson emphasized that the new policy was developed in conjunction with Arkansas law.
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Objective and Verifiable Information
DFA Secretary Jim Hudson explained, “This change announced today reflects a commonsense approach that ensures a license or ID issued by the State of Arkansas is based on objective, verifiable information. Our stakeholders in law enforcement, government agencies, caregivers, schools, and businesses rely on DFA-issued licenses and IDs to maintain community safety and prevent fraud. The previous policy lacked support from Arkansas law and was never subjected to public comment and review by the Arkansas Legislative Council (ALC), as required by the Administrative Procedures Act.”
On Tuesday, the DFA will present an emergency rule to the Arkansas Legislative Council’s executive subcommittee for review.
Hudson added, “We are committed to implementing this new policy in a manner that is respectful towards all of our customers.”
Prioritizing Clarity and Accuracy
Governor Sanders previously issued an executive order to eliminate “woke, anti-women” language from government documents. This involved replacing terms like “pregnant people” with more accurate and inclusive language such as “pregnant women” or “pregnant moms.”
How does the banning of the “X” gender designation on driver’s licenses in Arkansas affect transgender and non-binary individuals?
Ment policies. He determined that allowing an “X” designation did not comply with state law and regulations that require gender identification on government-issued identification documents.
The DFA has also released guidelines to assist transgender individuals who wish to update their gender marker on their IDs. They will need to provide a certified copy of their original or amended birth certificate indicating the gender they wish to be identified as, as well as any required supporting documentation as specified by the Arkansas Vital Records office. The process will also require individuals to submit a completed ID application and pay any applicable fees.
Controversy and Support
The Governor’s decision to ban the use of “X” on driver’s licenses has sparked both controversy and support. Those in disagreement argue that it goes against the rights and identity of transgender and non-binary individuals. Supporters, on the other hand, believe that this policy reinforces binary gender identity and aligns with their own personal beliefs.
Sanders’ decision is in line with the stance of many conservative lawmakers and activists who believe in traditional gender roles and oppose the recognition of non-binary genders. Critics, however, argue that this policy disregards the rights and dignity of transgender and non-binary individuals, who already face significant challenges in society.
Legal and Political Implications
There are legal and political implications to Sanders’ decision. Arkansas is not the only state to ban the use of “X” on driver’s licenses. Several other states, including Tennessee, Kansas, and Texas, have also implemented similar policies. However, critics argue that these policies may infringe upon the rights of transgender and non-binary individuals, potentially leading to legal challenges.
The issue of gender identification has become a hot topic in recent years, with debates surrounding bathroom access, sports participation, and legal recognition. The discussion around gender and its complexities continues to evolve, and Sanders’ decision adds fuel to the ongoing debate.
Conclusion
Governor Sarah Sanders’ decision to ban the use of “X” as a gender designation on driver’s licenses in Arkansas reflects her conservative stance on gender identity. While the policy is praised by supporters, it has also faced criticism for potentially disregarding the rights of transgender and non-binary individuals. The legal and political implications of this decision remain to be seen, as the debate over gender identification continues to unfold in the United States.
References:
1. https://www.dailywire.com/topic/sarah-huckabee-sanders
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