The Manitoba government has announced proposed legislation that would eliminate the mandatory publication of legal name changes for two-spirit, transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse individuals in the Manitoba Gazette.
This was revealed today by Consumer Protection and Government Services Minister Lisa Naylor.
According to Minister Naylor, the current requirement to publish an individual’s old and new names along with their city of residence can expose gender-diverse people to discrimination and harassment. “Our government continues to support the rights of gender-diverse individuals and will advocate for the right of self-expression and identification for all Manitobans,” Naylor stated. “Having your previous name be published after a legal name change can cause unnecessary harm to members of our 2SLGBTQ+ community and could even lead to further discrimination or harassment.”
Under the existing regulations, after a legal name change is approved by the Vital Statistics Branch, details are made public in the provincial Gazette. Although there is an option to request a waiver for this publication, it represents a significant hurdle for affected individuals. The proposed Bill 33, known as the change of name amendment act, aims to streamline this process.
Furthermore, the amendment seeks to incorporate gender-neutral language throughout the Change of Name Act, enhancing inclusivity in official documentation practices. This move by the Manitoba government marks a significant step in recognizing and protecting the privacy and rights of the gender-diverse community.
