Governor Rauner: Protect Trans Illinoisans, Sign HB 1785!

Imagine if you had to undergo invasive, expensive, and potentially unwanted surgery just to get correct official identification.

For many of us it's unfathomable that an accurate birth certificate or driver's license would require a surgeon's involvement. But that's what too many of our transgender friends and loved ones in Illinois struggle with every day.

In a time where our very President is hell bent on attacking transgender Americans, we in Illinois have a unique opportunity to support and protect trans Illinoisans.

House Bill 1785 recently passed the Illinois General Assembly. The bill now waits Governor Bruce Rauner's signature. This bill would fix an outdated rule that requires transgender individuals undergo surgery before they can access a birth certificate with their correct gender.

Doctors across the country, and respected organizations like the American Medical Association and American Psychological association, all agree that requirements for surgery are outdated and unnecessary. The rule unnecessarily hurts transgender Illinoisans and leaves them at great risk for increased discrimination.

Every person in Illinois deserves to have a birth certificate that reflect the gender they identify and live as - and we shouldn't be demanding anyone undergo expensive and sometimes unwanted surgery to do so.

Add your name today and call on Governor Rauner to protect transgender Illinoisans by signing HB 1785!