LGBT Humanists has submitted written evidence to the Women and Equalities Committee calling for reforms to the Gender Recognition Act (GRA) 2004 to simplify the process of changing legal gender and make sure all aspects of the Act respect the dignity and advance the human rights of trans people.
This consultation follows the UK Government’s announcement in September that it does not plan to make substantial changes to the Act following a two-year consultation period. LGBT Humanists, which also responded to a 2018 government consultation, called for requirements for a medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria, to have lived in the acquired gender for two years, and the power of spousal veto, to be repealed.
LGBT Humanists also stated that it believes that the relationship between the GRA and the Equality Act 2010 is clear and that the proposed changes to the GRA would not have impacted the provision of single-sex and separate-sex services under the Equality Act.
LGBT Humanists committee member Jennifer Bartle commented:
‘We are pleased that the Women and Equalities Committee is looking again at the legal process of gender recognition under the GRA and assessing whether the Government’s proposed reforms go far enough. Although we welcome the process becoming digitised and lowering the associated fees, there is significantly more that should be done to remove the unnecessary barriers in the way of trans people seeking to gain legal recognition of their gender identity.
‘We support the freedom of all people to make choices about their own lives to the extent that they do not harm others. In line with this, we have a longstanding commitment to supporting the human rights and dignity of trans people and their fair treatment.’
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For further comment or information, please contact Humanists UK Director of Public Affairs and Policy Richy Thompson at press@humanists.uk or phone 020 7324 3072 or 020 3675 0959.
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LGBT Humanists is a part of Humanists UK. Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by 100,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.