Supporters of the LGBTQ community hold placards in front of the U.S. Supreme Court last year. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
COLUMBUS, Ohio (CN) — A federal judge ruled Wednesday that Ohio’s refusal to let transgender residents change the gender on their birth certificates is unconstitutional, finding the policy exposes them to workplace discrimination and a heightened risk of violence.
U.S. District Judge Michael Watson in Columbus sided with four transgender individuals, represented by Lambda Legal and the ACLU, who sued over the policy two and a half years ago, claiming it violates their equal protection and due process under the 14th Amendment.