Female Scottish Labour members have “grave” concerns about the Government’s gender recognition Bill, according to a leaked report.
The report by the party’s Women’s Committee claimed 45% of respondents did not agree with the proposals, despite Labour MSPs supporting them at Holyrood.
A senior party source questioned the findings, citing concerns over the limited number of people who took part. The Gender Recognition Reform Bill aims to speed up the time it takes for a trans person to obtain a gender recognition certificate (GRC) and lowers the age for obtaining one from 18 to 16.
Ministers also want to drop the requirement for a medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria and the need for a doctor’s report. Opponents believe the plans could threaten women’s sex-based rights and be exploited by criminals.
The Bill sparked a rebellion in SNP ranks during the first parliamentary vote last month, but support by Labour MSPs helped carry the vote comfortably.
The Record can reveal the party’s Women’s Committee carried out a consultation on the Government’s planned changes, including an online survey.
One hundred and sixty-five replies were accepted as being from female members and the survey asked a variety of questions about the proposals.
The report stated that 45 per cent of women who responded were against the changes, 28 per cent were in favour and 27 per cent did not answer.
It also made clear that the “yes”, “no” and “unanswered” categories were extrapolated from a different question on whether they had any views or comments on the subject.
The summary of the report added: “It is clear that there is a belief that the current Gender Recognition Act requires to be updated. However, grave concerns need to be addressed, with the most significant percentage of members against the proposals for those reasons.”
A party insider also said there had been a key change at the drafting stage of the report.
A draft version of the summary was critical of Scottish Labour policy: "It should be noted that in analysing the data, it became clear that agreement that the party policy aligned with the values of the party did not necessarily equate to support for the proposed legislative reform. The only conclusion that can be drawn from this is that there is confusion as to current party policy and the proposed reforms."
But this criticism did not make the final final version, which instead stated: "Whilst there is majority support for party policy and the general principles of the Bill, specific concerns were expressed about the potential impact on women and girls, and women's only spaces."
The final report also claimed that 84 per cent of those who replied were aware of the Government's planned changes and a majority believed the party’s position meets the aims and values of Scottish Labour.
Labour MSPs, including leader Anas Sarwar and deputy Jackie Baillie, voted for the Bill after the first parliamentary debate in October, but several colleagues have raised questions.
During the debate, North East MSP Michael Marra said the Scottish Government had a "very long way to go" before their Bill passed the test of securing the rights of trans people and women.
He later tabled an amendment that would require a counter-signature as part of the process to change gender. One insider dismissed the amendment as “elitist”, arguing it would give power over the lives of trans people to “middle class professionals”.
A senior party source pushed back on the report, saying: "Hardly anyone knew about the survey, so it's unsurprising that only a tiny number of members took part. The whole exercise looks amateurish.
"The Holyrood group is all over the place with competing amendments. Scottish Labour needs to be a credible voice on equalities and human rights."
A Scottish Labour spokesperson said: “Scottish Labour will work constructively to try and address concerns about this Bill as it moves through Parliament. It is important that everyone has confidence in this legislation. The Scottish Government have so far failed to build the consensus needed to ensure this is the case.
“Labour are committed to bringing people together, and we will pursue amendments to make sure the bill delivers for trans people and ensures everyone’s rights are protected.”
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