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May 8, 2018

Our Client Receives Ontario’s First Non-Binary Birth Certificate


On May 12, 2017, Dr. Joshua M. Ferguson (they/them pronouns) applied for a non-binary birth certificate. When their application was delayed by Service Ontario, Millard & Company LLP and Dewart Gleason LLP jointly filed a human rights application on Dr. Ferguson’s behalf alleging discrimination on the basis of sex and gender expression.

After reaching a successful resolution with the Government, Dr. Ferguson held a press conference yesterday announcing receipt of the first ever Ontario birth certificate with an “X” gender-marker. Ontario is now the only jurisdiction in the world to provide four gender options on a resident’s birth certificate: M, F, X or nothing. This is a monumental change for Dr. Ferguson and the trans community more broadly.

Click here for Dr. Ferguson’s editorial in the Toronto Star and go to 17:25 seconds in this news clip for Dr. Ferguson’s on-camera interview at the CBC.

Millard & Company LLP has a long history of supporting systemic legal change for the LGBT community. If you believe you have been discriminated against, contact us to discuss your legal options.

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