New Mexico LGTBQ advocacy group responds to Trump's biological sex executive order
NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – President Donald Trump signed an executive order proclaiming that the federal government would only recognize two sexes, but what are the impacts these changes could have on the local LGBTQ+ community?
'The federal government does not have the authority to say unilaterally that trans and non-binary people aren't real, aren't here, aren't worthy of dignity and humanity,' said Marshall Martinez, executive director of Equality New Mexico.
A recent executive order, calls for the federal government to define sex as only male or female, dismantling crucial protections for transgender people and gender identity. 'That's harmful, that's hurtful to people, but we don't; there is not much force of law behind executive orders, and we have to wait and see how this might be implemented,' continued Martinez.
New Mexico officials speak out on Trump immigration policy
Local advocacy groups like Equality New Mexico, say it's unclear what these changes to gender classifications could mean, but it will impact federal documents. 'We're pretty certain that the state department would recognize a gender change on a passport, and we'll have to see, sort of, what implementation in those areas look like,' shared Martinez.
The order voids the 'x' designation, used for gender non-conforming individuals, that's been available since 2021, but one of the biggest concerns right now is the order's impact on health care. 'We have the strongest health care protection laws in the country here in New Mexico, and it's important for people to know right now you have autonomy over your body in the state of New Mexico,' emphasized Martinez.
New Mexicans who want or need gender-affirming care can still access it, but this order would put transgender asylum seekers at the border at risk. The executive order has been signed but will nee more federal action. Congress would have to codify the definitions into law.
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