Show sense on gender

THE Mail applauds Rishi Sunak for blocking the SNP’s dangerously flawed Gender Recognition Bill.

The legislation would have allowed 16year- olds in Scotland to change gender without the need for a medical diagnosis, contrary to UK-wide equality laws.

Despite Nicola Sturgeon’s howls of outrage, the PM has done the right thing and has widespread support on both sides of the border. He has also put Labour in a flat spin – as Sir Keir ducks the issue.

With a separate bill banning conversion therapy however, Mr Sunak is in danger of conceding the high ground.

Intended to stop the practice of gay people being browbeaten into denying their sexuality, it has been expanded to outlaw so-called transgender conversions.

Opponents fear such legislation could be used to prevent parents, teachers and doctors cautioning children about taking life-altering decisions they may later regret.

After opposing SNP gender reforms, the PM might think he is handing an olive branch to trans activists. But if a conversion therapy ban is rushed through, it could do untold damage to countless young lives.