Argentina Passes “No Questions Asked” Gender Identity Law
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Transgender people in Argentina are celebrating today over a gender rights law passed Wednesday that allows trans people to undergo hormone therapy and/or surgery as part of their public or private health care plans.
"Effy at Pride" photo by blmurch
The new law also ensures that trans people can specify how their gender identity is listed at the Argentinian “civil registry” by preference, regardless of surgical or hormonal status. Trans folk can also change their registered photo and birth name, no questions asked.
Senators approved the Gender Identity law by a vote of 55-0, with one abstention and more than a dozen senators declaring themselves absent, the Associated Press is reporting.
Argentinian President, Cristina Fernandez, is supportive of the law and is expected to sign it.
“She has often said how proud she is that Argentina became Latin America’s first nation to legalize gay marriage two years ago, enabling thousands of same-sex couples to wed and enjoy the same legal rights as married heterosexual couples,” writes Michael Warren on behalf of the AP.
“This law is going to enable many of us to have light, to come out of the darkness, to appear,” said Sen. Osvaldo Lopez of Tierra del Fuego, the only openly gay national lawmaker in Argentina, told Mr. Warren.
According to the new law, trans kids under 18 are able to receive all the same health care support as adults, with the approval of their legal guardians. But if parents or guardians want a gender identity change and don’t have the child’s consent, then a judge must intervene to ensure the child’s rights are protected.
Watch Argentina’s Transgender rights bill campaign promotional video below.
About the Author
Wild Gender is an online magazine and creative hub born out of gratitude for the gift of full expression. We are dedicated to creative practices that celebrate gender fluidity, identity and expression. Wild Gender prioritizes visual art, creative writing, and journalistic work by trans/gender-variant individuals who have never before been published in a public venue. Run entirely by volunteers,we are always in search of writers, thinkers, and creators hoping to participate in our growing community.
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