The Scottish Parliament has passed legislation making it easier for transgender people to change their gender on paper. For example, a mandatory medical diagnosis to determine if someone has a strong feeling of dissatisfaction with the sex they were born with (gender dysphoria) will be abolished, and the minimum age will be raised from 18 to 16.
According to Sky News, it’s one of the most controversial bills in Scotland in ages. Demonstrations were held outside the Parliament building in Edinburgh by both supporters and opponents.
Opponents fear that men who change sex could endanger the safety of women and girls, for example in changing rooms. But according to the Scottish Government, transgender people can still be banned from changing rooms that are exclusively for women or men.
86 lawmakers voted in favor and 39 against. As a result, transgender legislation in Scotland is now different from the rest of the UK.
Spain
Today, Spain’s lower house also passed a law that should make it easier for transgender people to change their gender on paper. Under the bill, the gender of anyone over 16 who wishes can be changed on their ID. They then only have to fill out a declaration and confirm it again three months later.
Previously, they had to present a medical report stating, among other things, that they had been on hormone treatment for at least two years. The change of gender on the identity document will also be possible for transgender people from the age of 12 under certain conditions.
188 lawmakers voted in favor and 150 voted against. Additionally, 7 lawmakers abstained from voting. Formally, the Senate has yet to approve it, but senators are expected to approve it without amendments. If so, the new legislation will take effect within a few weeks.
Source: BNR
Sharon Rock is an author and journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. She has a passion for learning about different cultures and understanding the complexities of the world. With a talent for explaining complex global issues in an accessible and engaging way, Sharon has become a respected voice in the field of world news journalism.
