A Scottish Parliament bill intended to make it easier for transgender people to transition is being opposed by Westminster.
The bill, which was passed with 86 to 39 votes, would make the process for changing your legal gender much easier. Previously, a transgender person would have to be diagnosed with gender dysphoria by a doctor, and have lived as their ‘acquired gender’ for at least two years.
If the bill was passed, a diagnosis would no longer be required, and the requirement would be slashed to 3 months. The minimum age would also be lowered to 16.
The government are blocking the bill under a section 35 order, which allows bills from the Scottish Parliament to be opposed if they could have a negative effect on other laws in the rest of the country.
In this case, ministers are claiming that the bill will undermine gender equality laws. Scottish Secretary, Alister Jack, who made the order, said, “The Bill would have a significant impact on, amongst other things, GB-wide equalities matters in Scotland, England and Wales. I have concluded, therefore, that this is the necessary and correct course of action.”
Scottish First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon intends to fight the opposition in court. She labelled it a “full-frontal attack on our democratically-elected Scottish Parliament.” However, political experts have warned that taking it to court is a waste of time, and she will not be successful.
