Transgender Nova Scotians can identify gender on birth certificate

An amendment to Nova Scotia's Vital Statistics Act is now in effect, meaning transgender people in the province can identify their preferred gender on their birth certificates.

The changetook effect earlierthis week.

The move comes after more than 600 Nova Scotians signed apetition last fall calling for the amendment, prompting Service NovaScotia Minister Mark Furey to introduce legislation in April.

The province says the changes will protect transgender NovaScotians from harassment and discrimination.

Those who want to change the designation on their birthcertificates must present a self-declaration and a letter of supportfrom professionals such as a nurse practitioner, physician or socialworker.

People under 16 must have the consent of their guardians andtheir letter of support must come from a physician or psychologist.