The Supreme Court allowed a policy requiring U.S. passports to reflect a person’s biological sex at birth, removing the option for an ‘X’ gender designation. The 6-3 ruling permits the Trump administration to enforce this measure while legal challenges continue.

The ‘X’ marker had been introduced to accommodate non-binary and transgender travelers, but the policy change now requires all passport applicants to choose male or female. Supporters argue the policy ensures consistency and accuracy in federal records, while critics note it may create challenges for affected individuals.

The ruling has both political and legal implications. It supports the current administration’s approach to federal documentation and may influence similar policies. At the same time, potential conflicts with state laws could lead to additional legal debates regarding the recognition of gender identity in government records.