OSDH, Petitioner Respond To Republican Leadership's Outrage Regarding Birth Certificate Settlement

A new Oklahoma State Department of Health settlement has allowed people to identify as nonbinary on their state-issued birth certificates.

Thursday, October 21st 2021, 10:49 pm

By: News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -

A settlement opened the door for Oklahomans to amend their sex designation on birth certificates. The development is sparking outrage from the governor and lawmakers who said it went too far.

Kit Lorelied, the petitioner, said this outcome is monumental and it gives them the affirmation that everyone deserves.

“On the one hand it is mundane, it is a piece of bureaucratic paper from the government. On the other hand, it is recognition, it is the respect and dignity that is deserved for anybody out there,” they said.

Lorelied filed the lawsuit in 2020 against the Oklahoma State Department of Health. They wanted their paperwork and passport to reflect that they are nonbinary.

“Honestly, I didn’t think it was going to go through, but I am proud of people in Oklahoma for fighting this fight,” said Lorelied.

Now people can amend their birth certificate with the letter ‘X’ for nonbinary.

“Much to my surprise and delight, the attorney general of Oklahoma looked at the case and said no, we are going to push this through because it’s the right thing to do,” said Lorelied.

House Speaker Charles McCall called the agreement "invalid and unenforceable” in a statement Thursday.

Senate Pro Tempore Greg Treat echoed the speaker's statement and said in part, “this is an egregious example of executive overreach that should be corrected as soon as possible.”

“I’m not surprised, people that have anti LGBTQ agendas will use any excuse to hold us back from the tides of history really,” said Lorelied.

OSDH responded in a statement saying:

“A legal settlement regarding birth certificate designations was reached in May by the prior attorney general’s office. We will work with the governor and attorney general’s office for input and counsel on next steps.”

The governor disagreed with the settlement and said, “people are created by God to be male or female."

Democratic House Minority Leader, Emily Virgin, said his comment is an attack on Oklahomans.