Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) ordered the state to stop issuing nonbinary birth certificates.
In an executive order signed Monday, Stitt required that the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) “cease amending birth certificates that is in any way inconsistent” with the law of the state.
It also mandates the OSDH to “remove from its website any reference to amending birth certificates that is inconsistent with its authority” under state law.
Stitt called on lawmakers to “immediately pass legislation that will clarify, to the extent necessary, that changes in sex or gender on a birth certificate or a designation of non-binary is contrary to Oklahoma law.”
The governor noted the OSDH has “entered into a settlement agreement which was not reviewed or approved by my Administration.”
He continued, “This settlement requires OSDH to amend birth certificates in a manner not permitted under Oklahoma Law. This order ensures that this unauthorized action will be corrected.”
According to The Associated Press, Oregon resident Kit Lorelied, who was born in Oklahoma and identifies as nonbinary, sued the OSDH after initially refusing to issue a nonbinary birth certificate.
The department reached a settlement with Lorelied in May, agreeing to include nonbinary on birth certificates.
The OSDH issued a statement, responding to the order.
“The Oklahoma State Department of Health stands committed to serving the citizens of Oklahoma in maintaining the integrity of vital records. Pursuant to Governor Stitt’s Executive Order, OSDH will continue to amend birth certificates as allowed by law,” the statement reads.
It continues, “These amendments will include legal change of name or corrections of errors. OSDH will work with the Governor and Attorney General on any orders for amendments that may fall outside the scope of 63 O.S. 1-321. OSDH will continue to uphold its mandate in the area of vital statistics within the authority granted by the Oklahoma Legislature.”
