Source · Select Committees · Women and Equalities Committee
Recommendation 5
5
Paragraph: 59
The Government’s reforms should improve the process for transgender people, whilst ensuring the appropriate safeguards...
Recommendation
The Government’s reforms should improve the process for transgender people, whilst ensuring the appropriate safeguards for those with concerns. The Government should bring back an action plan for reform to the Gender Recognition Act within 12 72 Reform of the Gender Recognition Act weeks in those areas where there was a majority in support for it. This should be done specifically in relation to the spousal consent provision, the requirement to live in the acquired gender and the diagnosis of gender dysphoria.
Paragraph Reference:
59
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
13. It is our view that the position we set out in September 2020 is right and appropriate. The balance struck in this legislation is correct, in that there are proper checks and balances in the system for people who want to change their legal sex. The evidential and diagnosis requirements in the GRA ensure that the process is rigorous and provides assurance that the system is robust, whilst offering provision for people who wish to change their legal sex. 14. Ministers had been clear all along that we wanted to get the response right, as we understand the impact that these decisions can have on people’s lives. This is an important issue and we wanted to ensure it was fully considered and all opinions were heard. The consultation enabled those opinions to be heard but was not a referendum, decisions were always for Ministers to take.