Cambridge city council votes to add gender neutral birth certificates

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — The City of Cambridge voted Monday night to offer gender neutral birth certificates.

Cambridge wants to add a third gender option for the transgender community. In addition to male and female, the city wants to add the option "X" on its birth certificates

City councilors say the move feels like a natural fit for the city following overwhelming support for the recent ballot question that protects transgender rights.

The city says by adding an option, residents would be granted more control in defining who they are and affirming their humanity and dignity.

Cambridge's policy order is just a preliminary step.

Members of the public wll have a chance to weigh in on the proposal, before its sent to the state legislature for final approval.

If passed, Cambridge would be the first Massachusetts city to ad an X option.

But New York City and four other states -- including California, Oregon, Washington and New Jersey -- have passed similar measures.

Cox Media Group