Gov. Kate Brown signs a bill making it easier to change gender identity on government documents at the Oregon Capitol.
Oregon Gov. Kate Brown's Office/Flickr
Oregon Gov. Kate Brown ceremonially signed into law Wednesday a bill that will make it easier for transgender people to change their government identity documents. The governor officially signed the bill on May 18.
The current process to change gender identity on government documents involves a court hearing and posting a notice in a public place.
Supporters of the bill say the new process will be less intimidating. They say having accurate documents helps transgender people get a job, housing or medical care.
Brown, a Democrat, says the bill reflects Oregon's tradition of protecting the liberty and dignity of its people.
"Individualism is at the heart of Oregon values. As a fundamental human right, government has no business dictating personal identity," she said at a signing ceremony in her office at the state Capitol.
Editor’s note: This article has been updated to reflect that Wednesday’s signing was ceremonial.