With the new gender recognition bill, Scotland becomes the first part of the UK to introduce a self-identification system. The bill is going to immensely help those wishing to change their gender. Read to know more about the law and the controversy surrounding it.
What is Scotland’s new gender recognition bill?
Scotland’s new gender recognition bill brings reform to the system through which people obtain their gender recognition certificate (GRC). AT present, people have to apply to a UK panel along with two medical reports. The application should also contain a psychiatric diagnosis for gender dysphoria and other treatments or surgeries. Additionally, applicants must be living in their acquired gender for a minimum of two years before applying for a GRC.
As per the Scottish government, the system “has an adverse impact on people applying for gender recognition.” Additionally, the process is “demeaning, intrusive, distressing and stressful”. However, with the new law applications are made to the Registrar General for Scotland. Additionally, it does not need a psychiatric analysis. For the first time, people as young as 16 and 17 can apply for a GRC. However, those under 18 need to be living in their chosen gender for a minimum of three months. The landmark bill makes Scotland the first part of the UK to introduce such a system. The Scottish parliament called it “a historic day for equality”.
More on the controversy
Opponents of the law believe the new reforms may undermine the rights of women that were secured following decades of struggle. They also believe abusive men may use the new system to threaten women’s security. As per Reem Alsalem, the system may create a loophole for violent men “to get into women’s spaces and have access to women”.
However, a day after the new bill was passed, Rishi Sunak, the UK Prime Minister confirmed that the government may block the legislation. He stated that “it is completely reasonable” for the Uk government to look at the proposed law. And other EWestminister officials revealed they may consider the “nuclear option” of stopping it from getting the royal assent. Shona Robison retorted to the politicians’ backlash stating her government will be challenging any hindrance to the law. Robison is the Social Justice Secretary of Scotland.