Story perspectives

Judge Faces Backlash for Denying Trans Name Change Seals

3/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

The New York judge James Walsh is criticized for refusing to seal records of transgender individuals changing their names.
Over two years, he denied sealing requests, citing 'public interest concerns' that outweighed risks of online harassment and discrimination.
Appellate courts have overturned his decisions, and Appellate Judge Eddie J. McShan noted Walsh's pattern of denying privacy requests while approving name changes, unlike automatic sealing in divorces and adoptions.

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Story summary

The New York judge James Walsh is criticized for refusing to seal records of transgender individuals changing their names.
Over two years, he denied sealing requests, citing 'public interest concerns' that outweighed risks of online harassment and discrimination.
Appellate courts have overturned his decisions, and Appellate Judge Eddie J. McShan noted Walsh's pattern of denying privacy requests while approving name changes, unlike automatic sealing in divorces and adoptions.