BOSTON (WBZ-AM) -- A new form of gender identification would be available to Massachusetts residents if a proposed bill becomes law.
Deborah Shields, Executive Director of MassEquality, told WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Carl Stevens that the measure is important to a number of people because it would allow them to have a new gender option on a driver's license or other form of ID.
"Instead of just male and female, there would be an X-option for people who identify as either transgender or non-binary--meaning they don't find themselves at either end of the gender spectrum," she said. "We have many, many people who identify as transgender or gender non-binary, especially among young people. It's really a protective measure to make those people feel just as affirmed and valued as the rest of us."
Three other states have instituted the X-option, as well as Washington, D.C. and New York City. The State Senate is expected to pass the measure, while it's unknown what will happen in the House.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Carl Stevens reports