National news in brief
Friday, December 05, 2008
http://www.washingtonblade.com/2008/12-5/news/national/13687.cfmN.Y. court removes bar to transgender name changes
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — A midlevel appeals court ruled Nov. 26 that a transgender person can change from traditionally male to traditionally female first and middle names, regardless of potential confusion.
The case involved Earl William Golden III's petition to chance names to Elisabeth Whitney Golden. A lower court had concluded the proposed change was "fraught with possible confusion." The Appellate Division of State Supreme Court noted that people can change their names "at will," provided there is no fraud, misrepresentation or interference with the rights of others. Done in court, the switch can be "speedy, definite and a matter of record."
