Advocates Say Montana Bill Would Erase Trans And Nonbinary Identities

Advocates express alarm over a legislative bill in the state of Montana, asserting it would effectively erase the identities of transgender and nonbinary individuals.

The proposed legislation, denominated HB 113, seeks to prohibit the alteration of an individual’s “sex” on birth certificates. Such alteration is currently allowed under Montana law upon completion of a medical procedure.

Proponents of the bill have argued it is a necessary measure to preserve the accuracy of birth records. However, opponents have raised the alarm that it would effectively erase the identities of transgender and nonbinary individuals, who would be unable to obtain any documentation confirming their gender identity.

Dylan Voorhees, Climate and Clean Energy Director for the Natural Resources Council of Maine, said, “This bill is a dangerous and extreme attack on transgender people. If passed, it would erase the identities of transgender and nonbinary Montanans and effectively deny them recognition under the law. It’s hard to imagine a more callous and cruel action from a state legislature.”

Amanda Gallagher, Executive Director of the Montana Human Rights Network, has also voiced her opposition to the bill, saying, “This bill is unnecessary, cruel, and discriminatory. It serves no purpose other than to single out and target transgender and nonbinary Montanans.”

In response to the bill, the Human Rights Campaign and the ACLU of Montana have vowed to challenge its passage.

In a statement, HRC Legal Director Sarah Warbelow said, “HB 113 seeks to bar transgender and nonbinary Montanans from having their gender accurately reflected in official documents. We will fight this cruel attack on transgender and nonbinary Montanans, and we hope that the legislature will reject this bill.”

The ACLU of Montana has similarly promised to push back against the legislation, with Executive Director Caitlin Borgmann stating, “This bill is an attack on the very identity of transgender and nonbinary Montanans. It should be rejected outright by the legislature.”

In sum, advocates have spoken out in opposition to a bill in the state of Montana that they assert would effectively erase the identities of transgender and nonbinary individuals. Should the bill be passed, it is likely to face legal challenges from the Human Rights Campaign and the ACLU of Montana.