Canadians who are not male or female can mark 'X' on their passports soon

Citizens can add an observation to their passports stating their sex should be identified as 'X'

Canadian citizens who do not identify as male or female will soon be able to mark "X" on their passports and other identity documents, the government has said.

From August 31, citizens will be able to add an "observation" to their passports stating their sex should be "identified as 'X', indicating it is unspecified," the government said in a statement yesterday.

The move will help Canadians have documents that "better reflect their gender identity," it said.

These interim measures will be in force until authorities are able to print an "X" on passports and other documents.

"By introducing an 'X' gender designation in our government-issued documents, we are taking an important step towards advancing equality for all Canadians regardless of gender identity or expression," said immigration, refugees and citizenship minister Ahmed Hussen.

In June, Canada passed a law adding "gender identity and expression" alongside race, religion, age, sex and sexual orientation among prohibited grounds of discrimination under the Canadian Human Rights Act.