The approval — on the same day Spain made a similar move — makes Scotland the first part of the UK to endorse allowing people to declare their gender on documents without the need for medical certification.
abc.net.au/news/gender-bill-passes-in-scotland-and-spain/101804102The Scottish Parliament has passed a bill to make it easier for people to change their legally recognised gender.A similar bill has passed the lower house in SpainThe approval makes Scotland the first part of the UK to endorse allowing people to declare their gender on documents without the need for medical certification.
The revised law also establishes a three-month "reflection period", during which applicants can change their minds. The Scottish government is yet to decide when in 2023 the new process will take effect. Attention will now turn to how the British government reacts. UK Equalities Minister Kemi Badenoch has voiced concerns about legal divergences between Scotland and the other constituent parts of the UK.
Up to now, Spanish transgender people needed a diagnosis by several doctors of gender dysphoria — the psychological condition of not feeling a match between one's biological sex and gender identity. While the voting session was taking place, dozens of transgender rights activists gathered in front of the parliament building listening to the debate on their mobile phones, while others attended the gallery.Saida García, vice-president of the Euforia Trans Family Alliance group, said the bill would bring a change to many of its members' everyday lives.