Chile's Congress Passes 'Historic' Gender Identity Law

SANTIAGO, Chile — After a five-year battle, Chile's congress passed a gender identity law Wednesday that allows transgender people over 14 years of age to change their name and gender in official records.

Activists called the with 95-46 vote in favor of the law "historic," with Chile's Movement for Homosexual Integration and Liberation saying it "will change the quality of life of thousands of people."

The law makes it possible to modify information registered in birth certificates through a simple process done at the civil registry. Those between the ages of 14 and 18 will need permission from a parent or guardian, along with consent granted by a family court.

The bill had been approved by the senate last week. President Sebastian Pinera has 30 days to sign the project into law. Read more via New York Times