New Jersey governor signs bills to expand transgender rights

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) on Tuesday signed three bills into law to expand transgender rights in the state.

One of the new laws will allow transgender people to amend their birth certificates to reflect their preferred gender identity without providing evidence of having undergone a sex reassignment surgery. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) had vetoed the bill twice while in office, NorthJersey.com reported.

Murphy also signed a bill to allow death certificates to reflect a person’s chosen gender identity.

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And a third law created a Transgender Equality Task force, which will identify the barriers for transgender people in areas like criminal justice, health care and housing, according to NorthJersey.com.

“Today is an important day for New Jersey as we continue to strive toward equality for all of our residents, regardless of sex or gender expression,” Murphy said in a statement.

“Allowing vital records to match gender identity is an important step forward that will allow transgender individuals to control the disclosure of their transgender status,” he continued. “And by creating a Transgender Equality Task Force, New Jersey can ensure that all residents receive the protections they deserve. New Jersey will continue to stand with our LGBTQ residents in the continued pursuit of similar rights nationwide.”