Quebec makes it easier for transgender people to legally change sex on documents

MONTREAL – Quebec is making it easier for transgender people to legally change their sex on official documents.

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The provincial government two years ago dropped its requirement that transgender people undergo reassignment surgery before changing the sex on their birth certificates.

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It still required that people seeking the change have lived full time as their chosen sex for at least two years and obtain a letter from a medical professional confirming that they are transgender as well as an affidavit.

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A policy change published Wednesday said people seeking the change must now swear the chosen sex reflects their identity, that they intend to continue living as that sex and that they do so voluntarily.

They must only obtain a letter from a medical professional if they have already changed the sex on their documents in the past.

The new policy takes effect on Oct. 1.