Medford judge denies bid for gender-neutral designation

MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) — A judge has denied a Medford resident’s request to identify as neither male nor female.

Jackson County Circuit Court Benjamin Bloom on Thursday denied Amiko-Gabriel Oscar Blue petition, saying he does not believe Oregon law allows him to grant her a neutral or non-binary gender designation.

Blue says she was surprised by the judge’s denial, since a Multnomah County Circuit Court judge in June allowed Jamie Shupe to legally change to a non-binary designation. Experts believe it was the first ruling of its kind in the U.S.

The Mail-Tribune reports (https://goo.gl/3Zcx09) that judges in Oregon have delivered mixed decisions on the issue though most have said neutral or non-binary designations are not allowed.

Blue said she has never identified as male or female. Another judge denied a similar request she made in 2015.

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Information from: Mail Tribune, http://www.mailtribune.com/