Gender laws in spotlight

Buddies are being asked about new laws recognising the rights of transgender people.

Plans have been unveiled to make it simpler and less intrusive for folk to be legally recognised in their acquired gender.

Holyrood has launched a consultation on proposals that would bring Scotland into line with international best practice.

These include replacing requirements to provide medical evidence, reducing the age at which recognition can be obtained to 16 and scrapping having to live in an acquired gender for two years when seeking legal gender recognition.

Secretary for Communities, Social Security and Equality Angela Constance said: “Scotland rightly has a reputation as one of the most progressive countries in relation to LGBTI legal and human rights equality in Europe – but we need to do more to progress equality for trans people.

“Both our Fairer Scotland Action Plan and this year’s Programme for Government commit to renewing the 2004 Gender Recognition Act. This Act was once considered ahead of its time but it now needs updated so we can ensure we are creating a fairer Scotland for those who are transgender and non-binary.

“By holding a full and wide ranging consultation we can make sure that our law is fit for purpose and in line with international best practice. This is a vital conversation and one which will ensure transgender and non-binary people in Scotland are treated with dignity, fairness and respect.”

For more information, visit consult.gov.scot/familylaw/review-of-the-genderrecognition-act-2004/