Instead of M or F for sex designation an X option will be allowed
Starting this week, Canadians who identify as neither male nor female will be able to ask for an X in the sex identification category on Canadian passports.
It’s a step towards the federal government’s plans to allow for the option on all government documents.
The option for a so-called third gender will be available by the end of this week on an interim basis until documents can be printed with the the new gender neutral option. Until then applicants will be able to add a note to their passport that they should be identified as “X”.
The initiative stems from election promises by the Prime Minister to better reflect the diversity of Canadians, including gender.
In a statement issued by Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen said the option allows Canadians to feel safe to express their gender as they choose.
While sex idenfication is mandatory for travel documents under the rules of the International Civil Aviation authority, ICAO already allows for third option of sex identification as M, F or X for “unspecified”.
“By introducing an ‘X’ gender designation in our government-issued documents, we are taking an important step towards advancing equality for all Canadians regardless of gender identity or expression.”
Cautions about using the X marker
Some countries also allow for the X option, but an immigration lawyer, Adrienne Smith, quoted by Global TV says foreign countries are not obliged to recognize the gender neutral option.
She warns that countries where being LGBT is illegal, could result in problems for those with an X on their passport. This could range anywhere from not being allowed in, to humiliation and harassment at airports. Certain countries like Jamaica and some West African countries are known for high murder rates of LGBT persons and the X on a passport could single people out for unwanted attention.
Global news notes that Australia, which already allows the X designation on passports cautions using it on travel documents for that very reason.
Additional information-sources
For reasons beyond our control, and for an undetermined period of time, our comment section is now closed. However, our social networks remain open to your contributions.