The change has been welcomed (Photo by Jeff Overs/BBC News & Current Affairs via Getty Images)

Transgender people will be able to change the gender on their passport without producing medical evidence, it has been announced.

The move has been welcomed by campaigners, who said demanding medical proof was upsetting and offensive.

It was confirmed in a government transgender equality report this week.

Following the ruling, LGBT organisation Stonewall released a statement welcoming the move.


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It said: ‘The acknowledgement that gender dysphoria is not a mental illness is an important step forward, as is the recognition of non-binary identities and a commitment to reviewing how the NHS supports trans people.’

Members of the Women and Equalities Committee, who considered the report, also considered putting an ‘X’ option on passport forms for people who do not identify as male or female.



It is currently used in Australia, but committee member ruled that it would need a change in the law before it could be introduced for British passports.

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