MSP welcomes progress on Gender Reform Recognition Bill
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A NORTH-east MSP has welcomed progress on the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill following the Stage 1 debate in the Scottish Parliament recently.
The Bill changes the process to get a gender recognition certificate (GRC).
A GRC is a certificate that legally recognises that a trans person’s gender is different to the one they were assigned at birth. The current process for obtaining a GRC is set out in the Gender Recognition Act 2004. This Bill amends the Act to update that process in Scotland.
As a member of the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice (EHRCJ) Committee, Banffshire and Buchan Coast SNP MSP Karen Adam was responsible for scrutinising the Scottish Government’s proposals at committee level and taking evidence from stakeholders. The committee published their Stage 1 report earlier this month.
Following the debate, the proposals received widespread cross party support, with MSPs voting 88 in favour and 33 against. There were four abstentions.
Ms Adam said: “I’m over the moon that this Bill has passed at Stage 1.
"Although the proposed reforms are minor in how it simplifies the administrative process for trans people to obtain a GRC, it could have a significant impact on improving the lives of our trans citizens in Scotland.
“I look forward to further continuing engagement with trans people on this and also my colleagues to ensure this Bill is robust and makes meaningful change.”
