Arkansas has recently announced that it will no longer allow residents to identify as “X” instead of male or female on state-issued drivers’ licenses or identification cards. The decision comes as part of an effort by Republican state officials to legally define sex as binary, a move that has sparked controversy and criticism from transgender and nonbinary advocates.
The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration stated that the previous rules, which allowed transgender, nonbinary, and intersex individuals to change the sex listed on their licenses and IDs, will be rescinded. The department argued that these rules allowed for gender changes without any verifiable information and undermined the objective, verifiable nature of identification documents.
Republican Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders defended the policy change, stating that it is a matter of common sense. She asserted that only women can give birth, men should not participate in women’s sports, and there are only two genders. Governor Sanders expressed her commitment to not endorsing what she referred to as “nonsense.”
Critics of the new policy argue that it is discriminatory towards transgender and nonbinary individuals and creates uncertainty for intersex people. They argue that the removal of the “X” option on licenses and IDs denies these individuals identity documents that reflect their true selves and forces them into categories that do not represent their identities. The American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas released a statement condemning the policy, stating that it seeks to erase the existence of non-binary and intersex Arkansans.
Currently, at least 22 states and the District of Columbia allow the “X” option on licenses and IDs, providing recognition for individuals who do not identify strictly as male or female. Arkansas, however, has decided to take a different approach, joining other Republican-led states in legally defining sex as binary.
The rule change in Arkansas must be approved by a legislative committee of the Arkansas General Assembly. If it moves forward, previously issued licenses and IDs with the “X” designation will remain valid until their expiration dates. Residents will be required to update their gender designation when renewing their licenses or IDs.
The decision by Arkansas officials reflects a broader debate over gender identity and the recognition of nonbinary and intersex individuals. Advocates argue that such recognition is essential for inclusivity and the protection of individuals’ rights. Critics, on the other hand, maintain that defining sex as binary is necessary for maintaining the objective, verifiable nature of identification documents.
The controversy surrounding the policy change highlights the ongoing cultural and political divide on issues related to gender and identity. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how other states will address this issue and what impact it will have on the rights and recognition of transgender, nonbinary, and intersex individuals.
