MSPs to vote on changes to gender reforms

MSPs to vote on changes to gender reforms

MSPs will begin voting on final changes to gender recognition reforms at Holyrood later.

The Scottish government legislation is aimed at simplifying and speeding up the process for trans people to change their legally recognised gender.

Supporters say the reforms will make the process less intrusive, bureaucratic and medicalised.

Critics say they could put vulnerable young people at risk and undermine protections for women and girls.

Supporters and opponents of the bill have started gathering outside Holyrood ahead of the voting process getting under way.
Around 150 amendments have been put forward, with MSPs expected to sit late into the evening, and a final crunch vote scheduled for Wednesday

The Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill removes the need for a medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria to acquire a gender recognition certificate (GRC).

It cuts the need to live in their acquired gender from two years to three months, with a further three month period of reflection, and it lowers the age for applicants from 18 to 16.