Page 4 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, October 8, 2021 Sen. Lewis joins bipartisan vote to allow nonbinary gender option on driver’s licenses, birth certificates S Gerry D’Ambrosio Attorney-at-Law Is Your Estate in Order? Do you have an update Will, Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney? If Not, Please Call for a Free Consultation. 14 Proctor Avenue, Revere (781) 284-5657 tate Senator Jason Lewis has been a longstanding advocate for ensuring that state records affirm a person’s gender identity. On September 23 he joined Massachusetts Senate colleagues to unanimously pass An Act relative to gender identity on Massachusetts identification, legislation which would allow a nonbinary option other than male or female on birth certificates and driver’s licenses. “Vital records are the primary documents that serve as guideposts to our lives: they announce a child’s birth, affirm our most sacred relationships and help get our affairs in order after we die,” said Lewis. “Thanks to the powerful and persuasive advocacy of transgender Massachusetts residents and their allies, the Senate has once again acted to ensure that important state documents can reflect and affirm the gender identity of every resident.” An Act relative to gender idenJason Lewis State Senator tity on Massachusetts identification would provide for a nonbinary option other than male or female on birth certificates and driver’s licenses. The bill also directs the state to begin the process of allowing a nonbinary option for all state forms and instances where a gender choice is required. Under the bill, the gender on birth records could be changed by an adult, an emancipated minor or the parent or guardian of a minor. The gender designations on a birth record could include “female”, “male” or “X” – which indicates that the person is another gender or an undesignated gender. No documentation beyond a self-attestation is required to make a change. The legislation also enables those who change the gender on their birth certificate to change the name on their birth certificate if they have already gone through the legal name change process. The bill provides three years to change the name on the birth certificate after the gender has been changed, or until the age of 21 for those who changed their gender designation before the age of 18. On September 27 the House of Representatives referred An Act relative to gender identity on Massachusetts identification to its committee on Ways and Means. ~ Letter-to-the-Editor ~ Malden Needs a Climate Action Plan www.eight10barandgrille.com We Have Reopened for Dine-In and Outside Seating every day beginning at 4 PM Dear Editor, The climate crisis is an urgent isWE'RE OPEN! 8 Norwood Street, Everett (617) 387-9810 STAY SAFE! sue to address in our city because it affects every part of our community. This September we got a taste of what’s in store for Malden when Tropical Storm Ida swept through. Flooding and drainage problems closed roads and businesses. Most of the south half of Malden, from Edgeworth to the Revere line, is located close to sea level. The state climate projection maps show that a medium-force hurricane, or a few decades of rising ocean levels, could put huge swaths of the city under water. We need more green space to reduce the “heat island” effect from asphalt and pavement that drives up temperatures and affects air quality. And it’s often the least wealthy parts of our community that are the most at risk. The time for action is now! As a candidate for City Council At Large, I will focus on climate action and am proud to be endorsed by the Massachusetts Sierra Club. We need a climate action plan for Malden. While we’ve put some pieces in place, such as the 2017 Open Space and Recreation Plan and the more recent Municipal Vulnerability Plan study of natural disaster risks, we have not yet tied these together under a unified set of goals and strategies for our city. A climate action plan is our first, best line of defense against heat islands, air quality issues and worsening storms. Better strategy and coordination will also position us to apply for more grants at the state and federal level. Our neighbors Medford and Melrose have had city-wide sustainability plans for years, and it’s time for us to catch up and do our part. A climate action plan would CLIMATE | SEE PAGE 9 Law Offices of Terrence W. Kennedy 512 Broadway, Everett • Criminal Defense • Personal Injury • Medical Malpractice Tel: (617) 387-9809 Cell: (617) 308-8178 twkennedylaw@gmail.com
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