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LGBT+ History Month: Labour urged to end veto on gender reform

Trans rights are human rights.

The Scottish Greens are calling on the UK Government to lift the anti-democratic veto and unblock the Gender Recognition Reform Bill that Holyrood voted overwhelmingly for in 2022.

The call comes at the start of LGBT+ History Month. If enacted, this bill would allow self-identification for trans people, legally recognising their gender if different from their sex assigned at birth. It would give life-affirming autonomy without trans people having to wait years for an intrusive medical diagnosis.

Scottish Greens spokesperson for Equalities Maggie Chapman said:

“The theme of this year's LGBT+ History Month is Activism and Social Change. I urge the Secretary of State for Scotland and his Labour colleagues at Westminster to live up to these values and undo the unfair and undemocratic veto on gender recognition reform.

“Gender recognition reform was supported by MSPs from all parties, including the Scottish Labour leadership. Upholding the Tory veto undermines the cross-party support that it received and the backing by almost every reputable equalities organisation.

“Most importantly, it highlights the lack of respect offered to some of the most marginalised and frequently targeted communities across Scotland. 

"Self-identification is a normal process that is used in countries across the world. Finally allowing it to be implemented would be a small change that would offer more hope and support for trans people.

“What Labour must realise is the precedent that the Tory veto set. It has had real consequences, denying hard-won rights, fanning the flames of a reactionary culture war and paving the way for other rights to be reversed in other areas.”

Ms Chapman added: “LGBT+ History Month is about celebrating the diversity that exists in our communities and the activism and struggle of those who have stood up for equality and against prejudice. It is only right that we recognise that diversity in law too.

“Human rights are non-negotiable and are at the heart of the fairer, greener Scotland that I want us to build.”