SNP calls for legislative commitments on trans and non-binary people

The SNP has called on the UK government to match its commitment to reforming gender recognition laws ahead of a House of Commons debate.

Angela Crawley, SNP equalities spokesperson, will highlight the Scottish government’s pledge to reform gender recognition law in Scotland to meet international best practice, and ensure all transgender and non-binary people are able to get legal recognition of their gender identity.

SNP MPs will also call for amendments to the Equality Act 2010 to ensure trans and non-binary people are covered by discrimination protections.

Ms Crawley said: “I hope that 2017 can be a year of progress for transgender equality in Scotland and across the UK. The Scottish Government is already committed to reforming gender recognition law in Scotland to meet international best practice, and the UK government should match this commitment so all trans and non-binary people in the UK are fully able to access their human right to legal gender recognition.

“I also urge the UK government to listen to LGBTI equality organisations and reform the Equality Act 2010 so that all trans, non-binary and intersex people are fully protected by anti-discrimination provisions. As equality law currently remains reserved to Westminster this cannot be done by the Scottish Parliament, but the UK government would have the full support of SNP MPs if they bring forward plans to improve the law.

“The SNP is committed to making Scotland a fairer and more equal country for all. We were proud to pass Scotland’s progressive equal marriage and hate crime laws, and we have delivered record funding for LGBTI equality organisations - but we know that the job of achieving full equality for LGBTI people is not yet done, so we will con