Scotland Passes a Historic Gender Recognition Bill
It was a “historic day for equality” in Scotland after the Members of the Scottish Parliament approved plans by 86 votes (39 opposed) to make it easier and less intrusive for people to legally change their gender.
The gender recognition reform bill removes the need for a psychiatric diagnosis of gender dysphoria in order to obtain a gender recognition certificate (GRC) and extends the application process for 16- and 17-year-olds for the first time.
Scotland’s new self-identification system will also reduce the time someone must have been permanently living in their acquired gender before they can apply – from two years to three months, or six months for those ages 16 and 17 – with a three-month reflection period during which an individual can change their mind.
The Scottish Greens tweeted a message from Maggie Chapman, the MSP for North East Scotland, Maggie Chapman, who said: “I would like to express my wholehearted thanks to all the trans people, organisations that supported them, and all the allies across Scotland for making today happen.”
And the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex Association (ILGA-Europe) posted its response on Instagram, calling the bill a “significant step in the protection of the human rights of trans people in Scotland.”
First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon proposed the bill nearly six years ago, and in an extended session, the bill passed late Thursday, December 22, 2022. Protestors against the bill were not only vocal about the measure before Parliament passed the it, but also during the recent two-day debate of the bill up to its final vote yesterday, culmintating in a win for the Scottish transgender community. According to The Guardian, protestors proclaimed, “this is the darkest day.”
The Guardian also reported that Scottish secretary, Alister Jack, has hinted that the UK government might block the gender recognition reform (Scotland) bill passed. “We share the concern that many people have regarding certain aspects of this bill, and in particular the safety issues for women and children,” Jack said in a statement.
“We will look closely at that, and also the ramifications for the 2010 Equality Act and other UK-wide legislation, in the coming weeks – up to and including section 35 order stopping the bill going for royal assent if necessary.”
