Poll finds strong opposition to gender self-identification plans

 (Photo: Getty/iStock)

A Sunday Times poll has revealed widespread opposition to Scottish legislation that will make it easier and quicker for people to change their legal gender. 

The survey asked over 1,000 adults in Scotland their views on the Scottish government's gender self-identification plans. 

The Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill proposes cutting the waiting period for a gender recognition certificate from the current two years to three months with a further three-month 'reflection period', but half of those surveyed said they were opposed to this, with only a quarter backing it.

Other plans include lowering the age limit at which people can change their gender from 18 to 16 but the survey found strong opposition to this - 62% were against compared to only 19% in favour.

Scots were also more likely to oppose plans to remove the requirement of a medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria. Only a quarter (26%) support this proposal, while over a third (39%) are opposed or don't know (35%). 

The Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill will be debated by MSPs on 27 October. 

The Christian Institute is urging Scots to get in touch with their local MSPs to voice their concerns before the debate in the Scottish Parliament. 

"It is clear that most voters do not agree with removing the legal safeguards that currently exist. It is important that Christians make their voices heard," said Christian Institute director, Colin Hart. 

"Please join with us in giving thanks for such widespread opposition to the Scottish Government's plans. Pray that it would continue to grow."

News
Churches urged to be ready amid reports of growing Bible curiosity among young adults
Churches urged to be ready amid reports of growing Bible curiosity among young adults

A sharp rise in Bible sales and reports of growing spiritual curiosity among young adults in the UK has prompted calls for church leaders to be ready to respond. 

Memorial art for Holocaust heroine unveiled
Memorial art for Holocaust heroine unveiled

Haining said she'd be "back by lunch", in fact she was on her way to Auschwitz.

The Christian Churches and the Nazis
The Christian Churches and the Nazis

Why were so many German Christians supportive of the Nazis in their rise to power and why were so few involved in active opposition once the realities of the Third Reich became apparent? 

The problem with Labour’s Islamophobia definition
The problem with Labour’s Islamophobia definition

Whether it's called Islamophobia or "anti-Muslim hostility", the threat is the same.