Transgender Man Can Change Name Without Medical Backup, Court Rules

A New York City court erred by requiring a transgender man to provide medical documentation before permitting him to change his name, a Manhattan state appeals court panel ruled today, reports the Associated Press.

"There is no sound basis in law or policy" for imposing such a requirement concerning Leah Uri Winn-Ritzenberg's request to for a name change to Olin Yuri Winn-Ritzenberg, held the Appellate Division of the New York Supreme Court.

The appeal was pursued on Winn-Ritzenberg's behalf by the Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund.