Mexico City
Approves Easier Transgender Name Changes

Mexico City's legislature has passed a law making it easier for transgender people to legally change their names and obtain revised birth certificates that reflect their gender identity.

Current law already lets people change their names based on gender identity. But because of the lack of specific rules, the process can take years to wind through the courts.

The new law formalizes the procedure for name changes and lets people ask a judge for new birth certificates.

It passed 37-17 on Friday and now goes to the mayor to be signed into law.

Mexico City's leftist government has recently legalized abortion during the first 12 weeks and allowed same-sex civil unions. (AP)