THE UK Government will "look closely" at the implications of Holyrood's gender reforms in the coming weeks, Scottish Secretary Alister Jack has said.
Following the successful passage of the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Act on Thursday afternoon, after two days of lengthy debates and filibustering from Tory MSPs dragging proceedings out, the Scotland Office said it had "concerns".
MSPs backed the reforms overwhelmingly, with 86 votes for Yes, 39 for No, and no abstentions.
The Scottish Government said they would "vigorously" contest any attempts by the UK Government to block the bill.
Ahead of the stage three debates taking place, UK equalities minister Kemi Badenoch and Social Justice Secretary Shona Robison held a virtual meeting.
Badenoch and the UK Tory government have repeatedly said they are against the self-ID element, and Robison warned during debates that any amendments which may be outwith legislative competence would give opponents the opportunity to challenge the bill in the courts.
Immediately following the result, Jack indicated that the UK Government would go as far as blocking the bill from being given Royal Assent if it doesn't fit with UK-wide legislation.
He said: “We share the concerns that many people have regarding certain aspects of this bill, and in particular the safety issues for women and children.
“We will look closely at that, and also the ramifications for the 2010 Equality Act and other UK wide legislation, in the coming weeks - up to and including a Section 35 order stopping the Bill going for Royal Assent if necessary.”
Maggie Chapman, the Scottish Greens equality spokesperson, blasted the move.
She said: "Time and again the UK Government has shown a total contempt for the LGBTQIA+ community. It has knowingly fanned the flames of prejudice and spread the most vicious smears and disinformation. This is a disgraceful new low, even from them.
"Any attempt to block this Bill will be an attack on devolution and democracy and on the rights of trans people. The UK government rightly recognises gender recognition certificates from other countries - they should honour those issued in Scotland.
"GRR is a small change that will make a big difference. It puts Scotland closer to following international best practice and will make a big difference for trans people who have experienced years of prejudice and discrimination from people and institutions with the same reactionary attitudes as the UK government."
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The bill as passed is within legislative competence, and was backed by an overwhelming majority, with support from all parties.
"Any attempt by the UK Government to undermine the democratic will of the Scottish Parliament will be vigorously contested by the Scottish Government.”
