Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday directed the State Department to immediately stop processing passport applications from trans, intersex and non-binary people who accurately reflect their gender.
Rubio’s order, a copy of which was provided to The Intercept, is one of President Donald Trump’s immediate effects. Biased Executive Order Making it clear as a matter of federal policy that there are only two sexes, male and female, and that gender is an “immutable biological fact.”
The executive order signed Monday directed the State Department and other agencies to ensure that passports, visas and government documents “reflect the holder’s sex” assigned at birth.
“The department will no longer issue U.S. passports … that contain an X gender marker and will suspend applications to change an individual’s gender marker.”
In 2021, the Department of Foreign Affairs was launched. Allows individuals. to choose a marker on their passport that accurately reflects their gender identity, including An “X” marker For non-binary, intersex, and gender nonconforming people.
Rubio’s order ends those options.
“The Department will no longer issue U.S. passports … containing an X gender marker and will suspend an individual’s request to change their gender marker,” reads the order, which was sent to all diplomatic and consular posts worldwide. was The order directs State Department employees to suspend “all applications currently in process and any future applications,” pending further guidance.
The White House Told before The Washington publication notes that trans and non-binary people will be able to keep their existing passports, but when the passport is renewed they must match the gender of the holder assigned at birth, which must be male or female.
However, Rubio’s order suggested that the State Department is still considering options regarding existing passports.
“Guidance regarding existing passports with an X gender marker will come through other channels,” Rubio’s order reads.
LGBTQ+ rights organizations like Lambda Legal have. Determined to challenge. Executive order in court.
The State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
