SGI offering option to leave sex designation blank on Sask. driver’s licences, photo ID
Global News
Saskatchewan residents can now request to have the sex designation on their photo ID or driver's licence be left blank, taking the 'M,' 'F' and 'X' options a step further.
Saskatchewan residents can now request to have the sex designation on their Saskatchewan-issued driver’s licence or Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) photo identification be left blank.
This is in addition to the currently available “M,” “F” or “X” sex indicator options available on these identification documents.
The decision comes following a human rights complaint that was filed with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission (SHRC). In a statement distributed on Tuesday, the SHRC said it was part of a settlement agreement achieved through the commission’s complaint resolution process.
“The Commission welcomes this change as a sign of progress in our province,” said Barry Wilcox, who serves as the chief commissioner of the SHRC.
“Two-spirit, transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming (2STNBGN) people face discrimination in housing, employment and travel. This happens, in part, because of the discrepancy between gender expression and government-issued identification. The recent change implemented by SGI will help address some of these issues.”
According to SGI, the request can be made by customers of any age. The process will not require any documentation and customers will not be charged for requesting the change.
SGI said in a statement on Tuesday that customers will need to visit a motor licence issuer in order to request the blank option.
“The option to have no sex designation on identification and licences is part of SGI’s commitment to inclusiveness,” stated Penny McCune, SGI chief operating officer of the SGI Auto Fund. “We have customers who wish to refrain from identifying with any sex on their identification. This change gives them flexibility in how they are identified on SGI documents.”