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LGBTQ - in words, Scrabble letters on a map of Edinburgh , Scotland, UK
The Scottish and UK governments are going to court in a row over reforms that would make to make it easier for people in Scotland to change their legally recognised gender. MSPs voted in December last year to pass the controversial Gender Recognition (Reform) Bill by 86 votes to 39. But in an equally contentious move, Scottish Secretary Alister Jack then used UK government powers to veto the bill, saying it could interfere with equalities law across the whole country. The legal arguments over Scotland's gender reforms Scottish ministers have lodged a legal challenge at the Court of Session in a bid to overturn that decision and to have the reforms come in to law. Presentational grey line What is the current system? The Scottish government wants to simplify and speed up the existing process by which people can obtain a gender recognition certificate - the legal recognition of a trans person's "acquired" gender. At present, people apply to a UK gender recognition panel and typically must present a diagnosis of gender dysphoria. This is defined by the NHS as being caused by a "mismatch" between their biological sex (whether they were born physically male or female) and their gender identity (the way in which they see and describe themselves). Applicants need to provide two medical reports, one from a specialist detailing their diagnosis and another listing any treatment or surgery they may have had to change their sexual characteristics. They must also prove they have lived full-time in their acquired gender for at least two years - for example showing they have used a different name in official documents, or changed their gender on their driving licence or passport - and swear an oath that they intend to continue for the rest of their lives.
Size: 5100px × 2748px
Location: Canongate, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, EH8 8DX
Photo credit: © Tony Smith / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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