Tory threats to veto Gender Recognition Reform are disgraceful new low
The UK government’s threats to veto Gender Recognition Reform are an attack on the rights of trans people and democracy, say the Scottish Greens.
This comes as Downing Street is reportedly considering using a Section 35 order to block the reform, which was supported overwhelmingly by the Scottish Parliament in December.
The Scottish Greens equalities spokesperson, Maggie Chapman MSP said:
"The Scottish Parliament voted overwhelmingly to support Gender Recognition Reform and to take Scotland a big step closer towards international best practice.
“Any attempt to overrule this decision, or to refuse to recognise Gender Recognition Certificates from Scotland, would set a terrible precedent and send an awful message to our trans siblings here in Scotland and around the world.
“At every step of this debate the UK government has been happy to fan the flames of prejudice. It has spread the most vicious smears and disinformation in order to detract from its many shocking failings.
“But this would be a disgraceful new low. It would be a shocking attack on trans rights and democracy. It would totally undermine devolution and all of Downing Street’s rhetoric and claims about us supposedly being better together and part of a union of equals.”
“This was one of the most scrutinised Bills in the history of the Scottish Parliament.
"The UK government rightly recognises gender recognition certificates from other countries - if they have any integrity they should end the scaremongering and agree to honour those that are issued in Scotland.”
