Say no to gender self-id

We say that the Gender Recognition Reform Bill is an attack on the rights of same-sex attracted people.

A reform that allows any man to say he is legally a woman hurts lesbians. It means lesbians will not be able to exclude biological men from social events, dating apps or support groups.

A reform that tells a 16-year-old boy or girl they can legally become the opposite sex will mean that young people who don’t fit the stereotype of what a boy or girl “should” be like – which includes many who are lesbian, gay, or bisexual – may feel pressured to change their legal status. It’s a decision that will be difficult, embarrassing and personally painful to try to reverse.

We say the proposed reform will encourage young people who are distressed by their emerging sexual orientation – which many confuse with “gender identity” issues – to use an admin process as a quick fix for their unhappiness. This will mean underlying issues that could be explored in therapy will be bypassed, depriving young people of the opportunity to gain more insight into their distress and to heal.

Any reform must take into account unintended consequences – and the views of those who will be negatively affected by it. We say that same-sex attracted people will be profoundly harmed

by this Bill. We ask that you write to your MSP to voice your concerns.