The U.S. State Department has halted all passport applications featuring the non-binary "X" sex marker and changes to gender identity on existing passports. This comes in response to an executive order signed by Donald Trump on his first day in office. The order mandates that all government-issued identification documents reflect "an individual’s immutable biological classification as either male or female."
State department staff received internal instructions from Secretary of State Marco Rubio to enforce these new guidelines. The email specified that applications requesting the "X" sex marker or seeking changes to the sex marker should be suspended immediately. The policy, as outlined, asserts that "the policy of the United States is that an individual’s sex is not changeable."
In April 2022, the State Department began issuing passports with the non-binary "X" identification option, marking a significant step towards inclusivity. However, the recent executive order has cast uncertainty on renewals of these passports. While existing passports with the "X" designation remain valid, complications may arise when holders attempt to renew them.
"The policy of the United States is that an individual’s sex is not changeable."
- Marco Rubio
"sex, and not gender, shall be used"
- Marco Rubio
The White House communicated to Notus, a news site, that further guidance regarding passports containing an "X" sex marker will be provided through other channels. Additionally, the executive order underscores that "sex, and not gender, shall be used" in all official documentation.
"suspend any application requesting an X sex marker"
- Marco Rubio
"suspend any application where the applicant is seeking to change their sex marker"
- Marco Rubio
The implementation of this executive order reflects a shift in policy direction and has sparked discussions on the implications for individuals with non-binary identities. The State Department's approach, as directed by Secretary Rubio, emphasizes traditional definitions of sex over gender identity.