Lanarkshire MSP speaks in support of gender recognition bill changes

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A Lanarkshire MSP has spoken out in support of the controversial gender recognition bill that passed in the Scottish Parliament last week.

Clare Haughey, the Rutherglen MSP, voted in favour of the legislation, which aim to help transgender people. Three days of intense debate took place at Holyrood regarding the act, while protesters were escorted away from the premises at points.The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now.

Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you.Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android Members voted by 86 votes to 39 in favour of the reforms – which will remove the need for a medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria before obtaining of a gender recognition certificate (GRC).The polarising proposals will allow trans people to obtain a gender recognition certificate by a process of self-declaration.Critics of the proposals say it will have an impact on single-sex spaces, and could place women in anger.Ms Haughey refutes that, however, and told Lanarkshire Live she was delighted to see the changes voted through as it will help support people who are among the "most stigmatised" in society.She told Lanarkshire Live: "Trans men and women are among the most stigmatised in society and many find the current system for obtaining a Gender Recognition Certificate to be intrusive, medicalised and bureaucratic."The Bill simplifies and improves the process for a trans person to gain