SPRINGFIELD, IL - The state of Illinois is close to settling a dispute over how it handles birth certificates for people who undergo sex changes.
 
Under the proposed settlement, people would be able to change the gender on their birth certificate even if they get a sex-change operation that does not include modifying their genitals.
 
The American Civil Liberties Union had sued the state, alleging the rules for updating birth certificates were too strict. The group says some sex changes don't involve the genitals for medical or financial reasons.
 
An agreement to change the state rules permanently has been filed in Cook County Circuit Court. The Illinois Public Health Department declined to comment until a judge approves the settlement.