The Scottish Greens have called on the next UK government to reverse the block on Scotland’s Gender Recognition Reform Bill, which aimed to simplify the gender recognition process. The bill, halted by a Section 35 order, has been deemed lawful by the Court of Session.
The Scottish Greens have appealed to the next UK government to rescind the block on Scotland’s Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill. The bill, passed under Nicola Sturgeon’s leadership, was halted by a Section 35 order issued by Scottish Secretary Alister Jack, due to concerns it would conflict with the UK-wide Equality Act. The Court of Session ruled this order lawful.
The proposed legislation aimed to simplify the process for obtaining a gender recognition certificate by removing the need for a diagnosis of gender dysphoria, lowering the minimum age requirement, and reducing the time applicants must live in their preferred gender.
Green equalities spokeswoman Maggie Chapman has called on political parties in the upcoming General Election to commit to lifting the Section 35 order, describing it as an obstruction to trans rights. Chapman emphasized the broad support the bill received in the Scottish Parliament and highlighted that self-identification is already implemented in several countries.
