Scotland’s gender recognition bill has caused constitutional conflict with Westminster – but its content is also startling.
The Gender Recognition Reform Bill (Scotland) is passed by the Scottish parliament in December but in January the government in Westminster announced it was blocking the bill from Royal Assent, the final stage of any new bill.
That is Westminster used power for the first time since degenerate nearly 25 years ago.
Minister addresses MPs after blocking gender reform bill – live political updates
The measure means the age at which someone can legally change their sex in Scotland will drop from 18 to 16, there will be no need for a medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria, and someone will only have to live with their chosen gender for three months – down from two years.
Westminster is opposing the bill on the grounds that it would have a “significant impact” on equality issues in Scotland, England and Wales.
Ministers have insisted they have no problem with the text of the bill, as they are “very supportive” of helping people transition, but it would divide Scotland from the rest of the UK as like, given that it goes against the Equality Act – which is ruled by the unbroken states of Westminster.
But First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said the government’s move to block the bill is an affront to democracy.
While the government has said that is the difference the bill will make between Scotland and the rest of the UK, the content of the bill has been behind all of their arguments before that.
Protesters against the bill
What are the concerns about the content of the invoice?
Ministers fear the changes introduced by Scotland could lead to sex tourism, where people could get a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC) in Scotland then claim the same rights in the UK or Wales.
There is also concern that people who change sex in Scotland will have a different legal gender when they are in the rest of the UK.
By law, anyone born in Scotland or living there can apply for a Scottish GRC.
A copy is then emailed to the relevant office, the Scottish National Records Authority, which will then issue a new birth certificate showing the person’s new gender without disclosing that they have been married. sex change.
Critics have raised concerns that predatory men could get the GRC in Scotland to gain access to single-gender spaces and put women at risk, and that those spaces would different policies must be applied.
Supporters also protested
The United Nations special rapporteur on violence against women and girls said the reforms could allow violent men to “abuse” the system.
Author and women’s rights campaigner JK Rowling, says, “All it takes for a man to be a woman is to say that he is one.”
The Equality and Human Rights Commission warned there could be implications for sexist legislation across the UK, including equal pay and entitlement to pensions and benefits.
When Scotland passed the bill in December, Scottish Minister Alister Jack said: “We share the concerns many people have about several aspects of this bill, particularly issues of safety for women and children.”
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Scotland passes gender law
What did supporters of the bill say?
In Scotland, MSPs debated for two long days and the SNP experienced its biggest backlash before the bill was finally passed with 86 votes out of 39.
Supporters of the bill argued that it would provide a “simpler and fairer way for transgender men and women to be legally recognized for who they are, allowing them to live with the dignity that all transgender people are.” We all deserve it.”
Ms. Sturgeon argues that there is a need to eliminate intrusive medical diagnosis and streamline the process of obtaining a GRC.
She also said the bill would not change the protections for women under the Equality Act, agreeing to an amendment that would mean anyone is subject to a sexual assault prevention order or restraining order. sex offenders will not be allowed to take the GRC.
The first minister also said the bill would not give predatory men more access to women.
LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall said the bill makes the process of legally recognizing a transgender person’s gender “more respectful and forthright”.
The bill, the charity said, ties Scotland to “top international practice endorsed by the United Nations and adopted by 30 countries, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and most of the United States.” .
It also denies the bill conflicts with the Equality Act and accuses the government of allowing transgender people’s lives to be used as a political ball.
