Comments on Supporting the Sealing of Name and Sex Designation Change Proceedings

The New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) submits the following comments supporting the proposal to amend 22 NYCRR §§ 202.5(e) and 208.4(b) in relation to the sealing of name and sex designation change proceedings. The vast majority of name changes – including those pursuant to marriage, divorce, adoption, and citizenship – are categorically private. Name and sex marker changes that proceed through the courts are a glaring – and dangerous – exception to this rule. What is more, those who must rely on the courts to change their names or sex markers are often the most in need of confidentiality to protect their safety: namely transgender New Yorkers and survivors of intimate partner violence.