MSPs to vote on gender recognition legislation in bid to lower age and simplify process
dailyrecord.co.ukMSPs will vote on controversial gender recognition legislation today as part of Scottish Government plans to make it easier for people to choose their preferred gender.The Scottish Government wants to improve and simplify the process while also reducing the minimum age limit from 18 to 16.The legislation has been loudly criticised by opponents who claim it will negatively impact on women's rights.
Harry Potter author JK Rowling was pictured earlier this month wearing a t-shirt printed with a slogan claiming Nicola Sturgeon was a "destroyer of women's rights".The SNP leader has insisted the aim of Bill is to make the existing process "less degrading, intrusive and traumatic".
If passed, the new law would allow anyone 16 or over who has been their "acquired gender" for three months to be allowed to apply for recognition.They would also need to undergo an additional three month reflection period, before signing a legal declaration saying they intend to remain in their gender permanently.
At present the process for people choose their gender takes two years.Ministers also want to drop the requirement for medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria and the need for a doctors' report on it.
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