Trans people ‘to be free to choose gender’
SCOTS could decide their own gender without a doctor’s approval under UK Government plans.
The proposal, which includes a third “neutral” gender, comes a year after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she will consult on reforms allowing trans people to self-declare on birth certificates.
It means records could be altered without having to provide “intrusive” psychiatric reports and other evidence.
Under existing rules, people have to prove “gender dysphoria” and submit two medical reports.
Equal rights campaigners welcomed the Tory Government move, also backed by Labour’s Jeremy Corbyn. A religious group called it “dangerous”.
UK equalities minister Justine Greening said the reform will go out to consultation in the autumn. A Scots consultation will begin around the same time.
She also announced gay men will be allowed to donate blood three months after having sex, instead of having to wait a year.
Greening said: “This Government is committed to building an inclusive society that works for everyone, no matter what their gender or sexuality.
James Morton of the Scottish Trans Alliance said current rules were “a humiliating red tape nightmare”.
But Simon Calvert of The Christian Institute, said the plans were “wrong, antiscientific and dangerous”.