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High Court refuses bid for gender-neutral passports High Court refuses bid for gender-neutral passports
(35 minutes later)
A campaigner has lost a High Court challenge calling on the government to provide gender-neutral passports.A campaigner has lost a High Court challenge calling on the government to provide gender-neutral passports.
Christie Elan-Cane wants passports to have an "X" category, which could be used by those who consider themselves neither fully male nor female.Christie Elan-Cane wants passports to have an "X" category, which could be used by those who consider themselves neither fully male nor female.
The campaigner claimed the UK's passport process was "inherently discriminatory".The campaigner claimed the UK's passport process was "inherently discriminatory".
High Court judge Mr Justice Jeremy Baker refused to rule the government policy as unlawful.High Court judge Mr Justice Jeremy Baker refused to rule the government policy as unlawful.
Currently, all UK passport holders have to specify whether they are male or female.Currently, all UK passport holders have to specify whether they are male or female.
Christie Elan-Cane, who has fought on the issue since 1995, says it is a "basic human right to have your identity" and that the UK government "are saying non-gendered people are not human, or just not as important as everyone else". Speaking after the ruling, Christie Elan-Cane, who has fought on the issue since 1995, said they were "bitterly disappointed" and that non-gendered people are "socially invisible" and being "denied civil rights".
They previously told the Women and Equalities Committee that being non-gendered was "not a lifestyle choice" and "incredibly frustrating".
Speaking after the ruling, Christie Elan-Cane said they were "bitterly disappointed" and said non-gendered people are "socially invisible" and being "denied civil rights".
"I was not seeking special treatment. I was seeking to be treated as a human being," they added."I was not seeking special treatment. I was seeking to be treated as a human being," they added.
In the High Court hearing in April, Christie Elan-Cane's lawyer, Kate Gallafent, claimed the policy breaches two articles of the European Convention on Human Rights: the right to respect for private life and the right not to be discriminated against on the basis of gender or sex. Christie Elan-Cane previously said it is a "basic human right to have your identity".
The campaigner told the Women and Equalities Committee that being non-gendered was "not a lifestyle choice" and "incredibly frustrating".
In the High Court hearing in April, Christie Elan-Cane's lawyer, Kate Gallafent, claimed the policy breaches two articles of the European Convention on Human Rights: the right to respect for private life and the right not to be discriminated against on the basis of gender or sex.
But the Home Office made submissions to the court that the case should be dismissed.But the Home Office made submissions to the court that the case should be dismissed.
James Eadie, acting for the Home Secretary, said the policy maintains an "administratively coherent system for the recognition of gender" and ensures security at national borders.James Eadie, acting for the Home Secretary, said the policy maintains an "administratively coherent system for the recognition of gender" and ensures security at national borders.
Male, female and non-binaryMale, female and non-binary
The "X" stands for unspecified for people who do not identify as male or female.The "X" stands for unspecified for people who do not identify as male or female.
Last year, Canada became the latest country to offer citizens gender-neutral travel documents.Last year, Canada became the latest country to offer citizens gender-neutral travel documents.
Australia, Denmark, Germany, Malta, New Zealand, Pakistan, India and Nepal already have a third category.Australia, Denmark, Germany, Malta, New Zealand, Pakistan, India and Nepal already have a third category.
The International Civil Aviation Organisation - the UN agency in charge of air travel - also recognises the "X" option.The International Civil Aviation Organisation - the UN agency in charge of air travel - also recognises the "X" option.
And, in what could be the first case in the world, in 2017 a Canadian baby was issued a health card without a gender marker.And, in what could be the first case in the world, in 2017 a Canadian baby was issued a health card without a gender marker.
In his comments, the judge stressed his conclusion was reached on current evidence, adding: "It will be necessary for the government to consider to what extent if any, in an age of increasing social and legal awareness and acceptance of the importance of issues relating to diversity and equality, the recording of an individual's sex and/or gender in official and other documentation is justified."
MP Maria Miller, the chair of the Women and Equalities Committee, has previously said a person's gender was "not relevant" on passports and driving licences.MP Maria Miller, the chair of the Women and Equalities Committee, has previously said a person's gender was "not relevant" on passports and driving licences.
She said gender details on passports do not assist with identification.She said gender details on passports do not assist with identification.
The ruling comes as the UK government is to launch a consultation on the Gender Recognition Act 2004, to consider plans to make the process of changing legal gender easier.The ruling comes as the UK government is to launch a consultation on the Gender Recognition Act 2004, to consider plans to make the process of changing legal gender easier.
Currently, to change gender people must have lived for two years in their preferred gender and must be diagnosed with gender dysphoria, a condition where a person's biological sex and identity do not match.Currently, to change gender people must have lived for two years in their preferred gender and must be diagnosed with gender dysphoria, a condition where a person's biological sex and identity do not match.
They can then apply for a Gender Recognition Certificate.They can then apply for a Gender Recognition Certificate.
People can change their gender on documentation including passports and driving licences - but there is no option to identify as non-binary.People can change their gender on documentation including passports and driving licences - but there is no option to identify as non-binary.
Christie Alan-Cane said they cannot comment on whether they will lodge an appeal to the High Court decision.Christie Alan-Cane said they cannot comment on whether they will lodge an appeal to the High Court decision.