The British government on Monday blocked a controversial Scottish law that would have made it easier for people to legally change their gender.
The Gender Recognition Bill would have allowed residents to obtain a gender recognition certificate without the need for a medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria.
Scottish secretary Alister Jack, who blocked progress on the bill, said he was concerned about the impact on “equality legislation” within the UK.
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Protesters hold Scottish flags outside the High Court in London, Wednesday, November 23, 2022. British leaders on Monday blocked a Scottish law that would have made it easier to legally change the gender.
(.(AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali))
“After careful and thorough consideration of all relevant advice and policy implications, I am concerned that this legislation will have an adverse impact on the working of equality law in Britain,” Jack said in a statement.
“Transgender people going through the legal sex change process deserve our respect, support and understanding,” she added. “My decision today is on the consequences of the legislation for the operation of equality protections across the UK and other reserved matters.”
The move was a one-time intervention by the British government, according to local media.
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Scottish lawmakers approved the bill in December, but critics said it would undermine women’s rights. The bill would also have lowered the age that people can apply for a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC) from 18 to 16.
Jack said he would consider a modified version of the bill.
