Trans rights activists protest over gender reform bill being blocked in Scotland

21 January 2023 , 18:38

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Trans rights activists protest over gender reform bill being blocked in Scotland

Transgender rights activists have taken to the streets of Glasgow to protest the UK government's decision to block Scotland's new gender recognition laws.

Hundreds of people gathered in the centre of the Scottish city to take park in the Rally for Trans Equality, which took place on the steps of the Buchanan Galleries shopping centre.

The Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill was passed by Scottish Parliament in December and would have made it easier for trans people to obtain a Gender Recognition Certificate.

Under a system of self-declaration trans people would have been allowed to legally change their gender without the need for a medical diagnosis.

But earlier this week the new changes were blocked by a Section 35 order issued by Secretary of State for Scotland Alister Jack.

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Rishi Sunak announced this week that the UK government will use a Section 35 order to block Scotland's recent Gender Recognition Reform Bill (Getty Images)

The order has prevented the Bill from proceeding to Royal Assent and becoming law.

Announcing the decision on Monday (January 16), Mr Jack said: "After thorough and careful consideration of all the relevant advice and the policy implications, I am concerned that this legislation would have an adverse impact on the operation of Great Britain-wide equalities legislation.

"Transgender people who are going through the process to change their legal sex deserve our respect, support and understanding. My decision today is about the legislation’s consequences for the operation of GB-wide equalities protections and other reserved matters."

Activists have hit out at the UK government's decision (Getty Images)

Swarms of protesters gathered on Buchanan Street from 11am this morning, many were seen holding signs that read "trans rights now", "trans power" and "trans liberation is liberation for all", Glasgow Live reports.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said that she'll seek a judicial review of the government's block, which she called a "full-frontal attack" on Holyrood, the Daily Mail reports.

Mr Jack added: "I have not taken this decision lightly. The Bill would have a significant impact on, amongst other things, GB-wide equalities matters in Scotland, England and Wales.

"I have concluded, therefore, that this is the necessary and correct course of action.

"If the Scottish Government chooses to bring an amended Bill back for reconsideration in the Scottish Parliament, I hope we can work together to find a constructive way forward that both respects devolution and the operation of UK Parliament legislation."

Fahad Tariq