Nova Scotia to allow ‘X’ as gender option on birth certificates
HALIFAX — Nova Scotians who don’t exclusively identify as male or female will have the option of choosing ‘X’ on their birth certificates under changes proposed by the province.
Proposed amendments to the Vital Statistics Act introduced Wednesday would also make the display of the sex field optional on birth certificates, and waive the $24.95 fee to change the sex indicator.
Another change would remove the requirement for anyone 16 or older to get a statement from a health professional to change the sex indicator on their birth certificate.
Service Nova Scotia Minister Geoff MacLellan said the changes are about making Nova Scotia more inclusive and are “the right thing to do.”