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In what the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission (SHRC) is calling a landmark case in Canada, a judge’s ruling has allowed for the removal of gender markers from birth certificates.

“Though we, as parents, did this for our own children, this decision applies to everyone, regardless of age, race or belief,” said an emotional Fran Forsberg as she stood outside Regina Court of Queen’s Bench, her child Renn tucked under her arm. “We have fought for over five years for Renn … Today, we rejoice in this massive step forward and its history-making impact on the lives of our youth and for everyone.”

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Moments later, Fran — whose children Renn and Skylar identify as two-spirit or transgender — suggested the decision goes far beyond a simple change to an identity document.

“This is going to save lives,” she said.

This week, Queen’s Bench Justice Lana Krogan issued a decision in a suit launched on behalf of two youths, challenging portions of existing legislation mandating identification on birth certificates as male or female.