SNP promise legal recognition for ‘third gender’ if returned to power

Scotland will become one of the first countries in Europe to recognise people whose gender is “non-binary” if the SNP are returned to power after May’s election.

Legal changes will be enacted to allow people to change their birth certificates and other official documents including passports.

Transgender people will also be able to amend their birth certificates without first gaining approval from lawyers and doctors as is currently required.

People under 18 would also be able to change their birth certificates with their parents’ permission.

The Equality Network found that about 300 people in Scotland identified as non-binary, though the group thinks the figure could be 10 times higher.

Scotland would become only the third country in Europe to recognise people who are non-binary, after Malta and Denmark. The status is recognised elsewhere in the world including in India, Nepal, Pakistan, Argentina, Australia and New Zealand.

In India’s last census, 490,000 people were recorded as “third gender”.

Speaking at an election debate, the First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon said: “Tolerance, respect, inclusion – these are attitudes and principles we want to encourage and foster in modern, fairer Scotland.”

Nathan Gale, from Non-Binary Scotland, said: “By making a commitment to reform gender recognition law the Scottish government is ensuring that all trans people, no-matter what their gender identity, will be able to be themselves, in all aspects of their lives.

“Trans people who don’t identify as men or women have just as much right to have the gender they identify as recognised and respected as everyone else.

“I hope that the next Scottish government will truly aspire to international best practice and provide for a third gender, alongside male and female, to be recognised in Scottish law.”