A federal judge in Boston has ruled against the Trump administration’s policy on passport gender designations. U.S. District Judge Julia Kobick issued a preliminary injunction on Tuesday, allowing individuals to have passports that reflect their gender identity rather than their biological sex. This ruling expands on a previous decision from April that involved six plaintiffs who challenged the government’s policy.
The judge’s order now applies to a broader group. It protects anyone whose gender identity differs from the sex assigned to them at birth, including those diagnosed with gender dysphoria. This means that people can apply for U.S. passports with an ‘M’ or ‘F’ designation that aligns with their gender identity, even if it does not match their biological sex. The ruling also includes those who wish to obtain a passport with an ‘X’ designation, which is used for non-binary individuals.
This legal battle began after President Trump signed an executive order on his first day in office. The order aimed to reinforce the idea of biological sex in government documents, including passports. It directed various government officials to ensure that identification accurately reflected the holder’s biological sex.
Judge Kobick’s decision is part of a series of legal challenges that have blocked various aspects of the Trump administration’s agenda. In response to these nationwide injunctions, the Department of Justice has asked the Supreme Court to limit their use. Solicitor General John Sauer argued that these injunctions overstep the authority of district courts and infringe on the president’s executive powers.
The debate over nationwide injunctions has intensified, with some lawmakers pushing to restrict their use. House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan has called for Congress to use its funding powers to curb what he describes as the misuse of this judicial authority.
This ruling is significant for many individuals who seek recognition of their gender identity in official documents, highlighting ongoing legal battles over transgender rights in the United States.