Are gender neutral passports a step towards true equality, or a step too far?
A campaigner has been given the go-ahead to bring a High Court challenge against the Government over gender-neutral passports.
Christie Elan-Cane, who has given evidence to Parliament about transgender equality, believes the UK’s passport application process, which requires individuals to indicate whether they are male or female, is inappropriate.
Elan-Cane, who first contacted the UK passport office directly in 1995, sees the issue of “X” (for unspecified) passports as a key focal point of the non-gendered campaign.
If the new proposals are accepted, option ‘X’ – which represents ‘unspecified’ gender – would be added alongside ‘M’ and ‘F’.
At a hearing in London earlier today, Mr Justice Gilbart granted the campaigner, who was present in court, permission to bring a judicial review.
He announced: “I am satisfied this case passes the test for the grant of permission, and is arguable.”
A full hearing of the challenge will now be held on a date to be fixed.
The challenge comes after Canada became the latest country to offer citizens gender-neutral travel documents last month, following Australia, Denmark and Germany.
Malta, New Zealand, Pakistan, India and Nepal also have a third gender option on passports.
What are your views?
