Sex offenders would have a separate process for legally changing their gender under plans lodged by a Tory MSP. Russell Findlay’s amendment to the Gender Recognition Reform Bill would make it harder for criminals, such as fraudsters, to obtain a certificate.
The Bill aims to speed up the time it takes 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.
Critics believe the reforms, particularly over the scrapping of the medical diagnosis, 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 and MSPs are now trying to amend the proposals.
