The objects of this Bill are to provide for the recognition and registration of the gender of a person and to regulate the effects of such a change, and due recognition and protection of the sex characteristics of a person. Gender identity is considered to be an inherent part of a person which may or may not need surgical or hormonal treatment or therapy and the Bill provides for a simplified procedure which respects the privacy of the person requesting that one’s official documents be changed to reflect one’s gender. Similarly, the sex characteristics of a person vary in nature and all persons must be empowered to make their decisions affecting their own bodily integrity and physical autonomy.