Calls for gender recognition plans to be put on hold after UN concerns

THE Scottish Conservatives have renewed their call for gender recognition proposals to be paused – pointing to a UN official raising concerns about the plans.

SNP ministers have brought forward plans to update the process for trans people obtaining a gender recognition certificate – moving from needing a diagnosis of gender dysphoria to a method of self-id.

Under the plans, supported by all Holyrood parties except the Conservatives, the lower age limit will be reduced to 16.

The Tories have renewed their call for the legislation to be put on hold – once again pointing to comments made by UN special rapporteur on violence against women and girls, Reem Alsalem.

Ms Alsalem has warned the proposed legislation “presents potential risks to the safety of women”, claiming the plans could “open the door for violent males who identify as men to abuse the process”.

The legislation makes it an offence to fraudulently obtain a gender recognition certificate, a document not required to enter single sex spaces.

Holyrood’s Equalities, Human Rights and Social Justice Committee did not take evidence from Ms Alsalem, with the Conservatives calling for the legislative process to be put on hold until she has done so.

However, the committee did hear from Victor Madrigal-borloz, the United Nations’ independent expert on gender identity, who told MSPS that gender recognition process “should be based on selfdetermination” instead of the current set-up.

Tory MSP Rachael Hamilton has penned a letter to Nicola Sturgeon, calling on the First Minister to “suspend” the legislation until “evidence can be taken fully from the United Nations”.

She added: “It would be far better to pause the legislation for a few weeks than rush through a bill that could have potentially damaging consequences for women’s rights and safety.”

Speaking at First Minister’s Questions, Ms Sturgeon said the Scottish Government will “respond in full” to Ms Alsalem’s comments.