State Department suspends processing passport applications with ‘X’ gender marker | CNN Politics

CNN - Jan 25th, 2025

The U.S. State Department has halted the processing of passport applications that request the gender marker 'X,' following an executive order by President Donald Trump. The executive order mandates that U.S. government policy recognize only two sexes, male and female, and these are deemed unchangeable. The decision reverses a policy initiated under the Biden administration that allowed non-binary, intersex, and gender non-conforming individuals to use 'X' as a gender marker on passports. The State Department will now only issue passports that reflect the individual's biological sex as defined by the executive order. Guidance for previously issued 'X' marker passports is expected to be announced.

This executive decision signifies a major policy shift from the previous administration, affecting not only passport issuance but also altering language from 'gender' to 'sex' in federal documentation. The implications extend to federal health policies and employee records, aligning with Trump's campaign promises to restrict federal funding for gender-affirming procedures. This move is likely to spark significant controversy and discussion regarding the rights of non-binary and transgender individuals, as it reverses efforts to accommodate gender diversity in official U.S. documents and government policies.

Donald Trump Biden Administration Transgender Rights State Department Executive Order Gender Identity Passport Policy

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

5.8

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article provides a timely and relevant account of a significant policy change under the Trump administration, addressing public interest in gender identity and government recognition. However, the story lacks balance and depth, as it primarily presents the administration's perspective without including diverse viewpoints or detailed evidence. The reliance on a single source and the absence of direct quotes from official documents may affect the accuracy and reliability of the reporting. While the article is generally clear and accessible, additional context and perspectives would enhance its engagement potential and help readers understand the broader implications of the policy change.

Accuracy

The story presents several factual claims that appear to align with the reported executive order by President Donald Trump, such as the suspension of passport applications with an 'X' gender marker and the government's policy to recognize only male and female sexes. However, the article lacks detailed evidence to support these claims, such as direct quotes from the executive order or official documents. Additionally, the article mentions forthcoming guidance on existing passports with an 'X' marker, but it does not specify when this will be provided or what it will entail, leaving some claims needing further verification.

Balance

The article primarily presents the perspective of the Trump administration, detailing the executive order and its implications. However, it lacks a balanced representation of viewpoints, as it does not include perspectives from affected individuals, advocacy groups, or political opponents. This omission results in a potential bias towards the administration's stance, as the article does not explore the broader societal or political implications of the policy change.

Clarity

The article is generally clear in its language and structure, providing a straightforward account of the policy change and its implications. However, the lack of detailed evidence and additional perspectives may affect the reader's comprehension of the broader context and significance of the story. The article could benefit from a more detailed explanation of the potential impact on individuals and government agencies.

Source quality

The article attributes its information to a State Department spokesperson and mentions contributions from CNN reporters. However, it does not provide a variety of sources or include direct quotes from the executive order or other official documents, which would enhance the reliability of the reporting. The reliance on a single spokesperson and the lack of diverse sources may affect the article's impartiality and depth.

Transparency

The article provides some context about the executive order and its alignment with President Trump's campaign promises. However, it lacks transparency in terms of explaining the methodology behind the reporting, such as how information was obtained or verified. Additionally, there is no disclosure of potential conflicts of interest or factors that might impact the impartiality of the reporting.