Scotland has warned that it will resist attempts by the UK government to interfere with the controversial gender self-identification system, which makes it easier for people to obtain a gender recognition certification, approved this week by Scottish MPs by 86 votes to 39.
While British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said it is ‘completely reasonable’ for the UK government to examine Scottish reforms making it easier for people to change gender, Nicola Sturgeon’s Scottish government says it will fight attempts to stop it, according to the BBC.
Scotland’s new self-identification system lowers to 16 the age when people can apply to change their legal gender, and removes the need for a medical diagnosis.
The new rules, which are expected to come into force next year, will mean applicants will now only need to have lived in their acquired gender for three months – or six months if they are aged 16 and 17 – rather than two years.
There will also be a three-month ‘reflection period’ during which they can change their minds, and it will be a criminal offence to make a false declaration or false application for a gender recognition certification, with anyone who does so potentially facing up to two years in prison.
It will be possible to de-transition by going through the process again.
A spokesman for the Scottish government warned that any attempt by Westminster ‘to undermine the democratic will of the Scottish Parliament will be vigorously contested’.
Scotland’s Social Justice Secretary Shona Robison said the Scottish government was very confident of its position.
She added: ‘The bill as passed is absolutely within legislative competence and of course was backed by an overwhelming majority with support from all parties. It would be unfortunate to say the least of the UK government were to go down this road.’
Nine other European countries have already adopted self-declaration systems for legal gender recognition, including the Irish Republic, Denmark, Norway, Portugal and Switzerland.
[Image: misterfarmer from Pixabay]