Controversial proposals to make it easier for people in Scotland to change their legally recognised gender have been passed by MSPs amid heated scenes at Holyrood.
The Gender Recognition Reform (GRR) Bill cleared its last legislative hurdle after three days of gruelling debate at the Scottish Parliament.
As MSPs voted by 86 votes to 39 in favour shouts of "shame on you" could be heard from the public gallery.
But there was also applause from supporters of the reforms – which will remove the need for a medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria before obtaining of a gender recognition certificate (GRC).
The changes will also drop the minimum age for applying for such a certificate from 18 to 16, and bring down the time a person is required to live in their acquired gender.
Opponents of the Bill have said it could endanger women and girls and put single-sex spaces at risk, something the Scottish Government has repeatedly denied.
Nine SNP MSPs defied Nicola Sturgeon to vote against the legislation.
The First Minister had earlier defended the reforms and claimed the bill may be the "most scrutinised piece of legislation" in Holyrood’s history.
And she insisted the removing of the need for medical diagnosis for those who want to legally change their gender was one of the Bill’s key elements.
"I will never apologise for trying to spread equality, not reduce it, in our country," she said.
Shona Robison, the social justice secretary, said it was an "historic day" after MSPs voted in favour of the legislation.
"It simplifies and improves the process for a trans person to obtain a gender recognition certificate – which many currently find intrusive, medicalised and bureaucratic," she said.
"The legislation makes no change to the reserved Equality Act 2010 and that principle is enshrined in the Bill. As I have made clear, the Scottish Government continues to support the provision of single-sex services and the rights of women.
"The passing of this bill is a significant step forward in creating a more equal Scotland, where trans people feel valued, included and empowered."
LGBT campaigners hailed the passage of a new Bill which will make it easier for people in Scotland to legally change their gender.
Scottish Trans, part of the Equality Network charity, said the new law will improve the lives of trans people.
Vic Valentine, manager of Scottish Trans, said: “Trans people across Scotland today will be feeling pleased and relieved that this Bill has passed, after many years of difficult public debate that has often felt like people are talking about us, and not to us.
“The law that has passed today will mean that at important moments in their lives, like when starting a job or giving notice to be married, trans men and women will be able to show a birth certificate that reflects who they are.
“We all want to be able to live true to ourselves, and by voting for these simple but important changes to the existing process for trans people to be legally recognised, MSPs will improve trans men and women’s lives by allowing them to live with the dignity and recognition that everyone deserves.”
Tim Hopkins, director of the Equality Network, said: “We thank MSPs, from all parties, who supported this Bill, and those who engaged constructively on amendments.
“This result follows others where the Scottish Parliament has carefully considered the evidence and then legislated for fairness and equality.”
The SNP said it is “proud” the legislation has passed.
MSP Joe FitzPatrick said: “I am delighted and proud to see this piece of legislation pass through Holyrood – it’s been a long time in the making and will make such a positive difference to trans people in Scotland."
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