Hundreds join protest over blocking of Gender Bill
HUNDREDS of people in loud voice and good spirits packed St Peter’s Square yesterday afternoon to protest against the UK Government’s decision to block Scotland’s Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill earlier this month.
The bill would have meant the age someone could legally change their gender in Scotland would be 16, instead of 18 and there would no longer be a need for a medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria.
The bill’s passing north of the border was viewed as a step towards greater equality for the trans community across the UK and there was outrage when it was blocked using a Section 35 order by the UK Government.
This drove hundreds to the streets of Manchester as they chanted against the political establishment, with the Manchester Trans Rise Up group.
Signs adorned in the transgender flag colours of pink, white and blue, were handed around with messages reading ‘standing against section 35’ and ‘trans is not a choice’ proudly held by many.
Speakers from many different groups spoke with great enthusiasm.
Mallory Moore, a representative from Manchester Trans Rise Up, told the Manchester Evening News the big turnout was ‘really positive’ to see given the event’s short notice.
She said: “For the trans community this was (section 35 order) a point of realisation that the government was willing to take decisions and unprecedented decision to override reasonable processes. The Gender Recognition Reform Bill was well within the legal capacity of Scotland.
“But it represents a danger to all across the UK. It was passed with complete due diligence but arbitrarily undone. We considered the bill quite mediocre as it was anyway and didn’t address many of the issues we feel need addressing such as health care. But after this many have completely lost faith in the government.
“It shows that even piecemeal reforms are put into the dirt. It feels like they actively hate us.”
But she said the reaction to their protest showed how people really feel. “A recent census showed there are around 4,000 trans people in Manchester and a good percentage of them are here today which is great.
“People were only given three days notice for this and plenty have turned up. It’s huge.
“Our general experience is that people are very supportive when they see us demonstrating like this, which is not the message given by government. People just want to get along, especially in Manchester.”
A UK Government spokesperson said after the bill was blocked: “This was done after thorough and careful consideration of all the relevant advice and the policy implications. This legislation would have an adverse impact on the operation of Great Britain-wide equalities legislation.
“Transgender people deserve our respect, support and understanding. Our decision is about the legislation’s consequences for the operation of GBwide equalities protections and other reserved matters.”