Transsexuals allowed to change name

Starting on Saturday, Bolivian transsexuals aged over 18 can change their name, gender and photo in all public and private documents after the Gender Identity Law was signed into law. "This is democracy. For that reason, I feel happy to be able to sign this law, under which for the first time the government guarantees social recognition of people with rights, regardless of their sexual orientation," Vice-President Alvaro Garcia Linera said at Bolivia's Palace of Government in La Paz.

"They will not disappear if we ignore or discriminate them. What has happened till now is that this group has become visible and has claimed its rights. Today the transsexual and transgender group is enriching Bolivia's democracy," Garcia Linera said.

Justice Minister Virginia Velasco said the law conforms to the State Political Constitution, which recognizes the rights of every Bolivian and highlights diversity among its people.