Kansas ordered to halt sex changes on driver’s licenses by judge.

A Victory for Kansas: Judge Orders Halt to Changing Sex on Driver’s Licenses

In a groundbreaking decision, a state judge has put a stop to the practice of allowing individuals to change their sex on their driver’s licenses in Kansas.

District Judge Teresa Watson issued a restraining order against Democratic Governor Laura Kelly’s administration, following a lawsuit filed by Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach.

Judge Watson’s restraining order emphasizes the potential harm caused by allowing sex changes on licenses, stating that it could lead to “immediate and irreparable injury.” She also highlights the difficulty of reversing or withdrawing issued licenses, which are valid for six years.

“Driver’s licenses play a crucial role in law enforcement, aiding in the identification of criminal suspects, victims, and missing persons,” Watson explained. “Ensuring compliance with state legal requirements for identifying license holders is a matter of public safety.”

This ruling comes in the wake of Kobach’s lawsuit against two officials in Governor Kelly’s administration, arguing that changing driver’s licenses for individuals identifying with the opposite sex is unlawful. Kobach contends that this practice violates the recently passed Women’s Bill of Rights, which defines men and women based on their biological reproductive system.

Governor Kelly, who vetoed the bill, expressing concerns about its impact on rights and business deals, faced an override by the Republican-controlled legislature, resulting in the law taking effect on July 1.

In a legal opinion released last month, Kobach argued that the Women’s Bill of Rights should also apply to birth certificates and prisons. However, his lawsuit solely focuses on driver’s licenses.

Despite the law and Kobach’s opinion, Governor Kelly issued a directive allowing trans-identifiers to continue changing their sex listing on licenses.

Kobach criticized Kelly’s directive as “nonsense” and accused her of violating her oath of office. He vowed to take the matter to court.

Judge Watson’s ruling does not address whether the Kelly administration violated state law by allowing license changes. Over the past four years, nearly 400 people have altered their sex on their licenses in Kansas. The restraining order will remain in effect for two weeks, with the possibility of extension.