Democrats adopt gender non-binary language in party rules
The language was changed to be more inclusive (Creative Commons)
Democrats on Saturday adopted new language in the party’s rules and charter to make them inclusive of gender non-binary people.
The move, made during the Democratic National Committee’s meeting in Chicago this week, means all committees must account for members who do not identify as male or female.
The language now says committees “shall be as equally divided as practicable between men and women (determined by gender self-identification) meaning that the variance between men and women in the group cannot exceed one.”
Gender non-binary members will not be counted as either male or female and “the remainder of the delegation shall be equally divided.”
The new language allows for gender self-identification (MLADEN ANTONOV/AFP/Getty Images)
Speaking to CNN, the DNC chair Tom Perez said: “At the root of our diverse party is a commitment to inclusion and opportunity.”
“By adopting this amendment, the Democratic National Committee is ensuring every Democrat feels welcome and embraced for who they are.
“This action reaffirms our solidarity with the LGBTQ community and challenges governments, employers, and organisations across the country to do the same.”
In June, Maine legally recognised non-binary people on official documents for the first time, making it only the third state to do so.
In an announcement on Monday, the state’s bureau of motor vehicles stated that it will now allow people to identify as non-binary on driving licences.
Maine legally recognised non-binary people on official documents this year (Scott Olson/Getty Images)
Before this change, Maine residents were forced to identify themselves as either male or female on their official ID, which could be highly distressing to non-binary people.
For licences that currently have either ‘F’ or ‘M’ gender markers, the bureau has now begun to issue stickers reading “gender has been changed to X – Non-binary.”
Maine’s bureau of motor vehicles intends to phase out the stickers by next year, printing new licences that feature an ‘X’ for those who request them.
Earlier this year, Qantas Airlines started using gender non-binary language on flights.
Staff were advised to drop terms such as husband and wife in favour of partner and spouse.
Parents will be used instead of mother and father to ensure inclusivity on flights.
The language is not only to create a safe space for fliers but also for employees who may identify as LGBTQ+.
