A sample Maine Driver’s license provided by the Maine Secretary of State’s Office.
Transgender Mainers concerned about how federal changes will limit which gender options they can choose on state-issued identification like driver’s licenses will not have to worry, for now.
On Monday, the Maine Department of the Secretary of State issued new guidance explaining that Maine-issued IDs are “governed by state laws, not the federal executive order,” meaning that individuals are still allowed to “receive or update a credential to reflect their gender identity.”
“The executive order does not override Maine human rights law,” the guidance states. The Maine Human Rights Act protects against discrimination based on a person’s race or color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry or national origin.
President Donald Trump has issued several executive orders targeting the rights of transgender people. Among the changes is limiting the available gender marker options on U.S. passports and Consular Reports of Birth Abroad, which are issued by an American embassy or consulate and certifies a child’s U.S. citizenship at birth.
Starting in May, travelers will need Real IDs, the updated identification cards that include additional security features, to travel domestically. In the guidance issued Tuesday, the Secretary of State’s office said, “Real ID compliance remains unchanged for state-issued IDs at this time.”
However, in response to questions about obtaining new passports, the Secretary of State’s Office notes that under the order, “only passports with an M or F sex marker that match the customer’s biological sex at birth will be issued, regardless of previous gender markers.” Though passports issued before Trump’s Jan. 20 order, including those with updated gender markers or an “X,” should remain valid until their expiration date.
“Our offices are proud to welcome every Mainer, and we will always provide our excellent customer service to everyone,” said Secretary of State Shenna Bellows. “I and my staff remain respectful of everyone, including those who are transgender, non-binary, and gender expansive. All are welcome here.”
Maine’s human rights policy has been in the spotlight since Trump threatened Gov. Janet Mills over her commitment to the state law in allowing transgender students to compete in women’s athletics. Since the governor made national headlines for telling the president she would take the issue to court, his administration has launched several investigations into the state’s compliance with Title IX.
YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE.