Labour urged to overturn veto on Gender Recognition Reform
UK Labour Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray’s refusal to withdraw the undemocratic Section 35 Order used to block the Gender Recognition Reform Bill is ‘shameful’, says Scottish Greens.
Speaking before the Scottish Affairs Committee this morning, Mr Murray said that his government would not be lifting the veto.
GRR was voted through by an overwhelming majority at Holyrood in 2022, but the UK Government blocked it with an undemocratic Section 35 order.
This bill would allow self-identification, legally recognising a person’s gender if different from their sex assigned at birth; giving life-affirming autonomy prior to waiting years for a medical diagnosis and vital healthcare.
Scottish Greens spokesperson for Equalities Maggie Chapman MSP says:
“Ian Murray’s refusal to undo the Tory veto on gender reform is utterly shameful, and serves as a reminder of the contempt Westminster governments have for devolution and equality.
“A clear majority of MSPs across Holyrood supported this bill. It had a huge level of crossparty support and was backed by almost every reputable equalities organisation. It was one of the most scrutinised bills in the history of our parliament.
“Self-identification is normal and is used in countries around the world. It is a small change in a clearly devolved area, and one that would give people the respect they deserve to live authentically as the people they are. The Tories chose to undermine our decision and now Labour is doing the same.
“It is an affront to devolution and it is actively harming the lives of trans people who have already waited far too long for the recognition that our Parliament voted for.
“Trans people make up a small percentage of our population, yet they are continuously targeted by a cynical culture war from reactionary right wing politicians. It has real world consequences, fuelling prejudice and the rolling back of rights and access to healthcare.”