Scotland: MSPs approve plans to lower legal gender change age

MSPs have backed the Scottish government's plans to lower the age at which Scots can change their legal gender. 

An amendment was passed during a marathon debate in Holyrood on Tuesday night which will allow 16 and 17 year olds to apply for a gender recognition certificate. 

It was one of over 150 proposed amendments to the Gender Recognition Act being debated by MSPs ahead of a final vote that was due to take place on Wednesday. 

Tuesday's debate got through only 64 of the amendments before lights went out in the chamber just after midnight, forcing the session to a close. 

The remaining amendments will be debated on Wednesday afternoon. It is not clear when the final vote on the Bill will take place. 

If passed, the legislation will make it easier for Scots to change their legal gender by removing the requirement of medical evidence and reducing the time applicants must live in their chosen gender from two years to three months - or six months for 16 and 17 year olds. 

The plans have divided MSPs and been strongly opposed by Christians.

The Christian Institute's Deputy Director for Communications, Ciarán Kelly, warned that the legislation stands to "cause even greater misery and confusion for children and their families".

"Children need protecting from radical gender ideology and the obvious and best thing to do is to remove 16 and 17-year-olds from the legislation completely," he said.

In November, the Equality and Human Rights Commission advised against lowering the legal age for a gender recognition certificate. 

In a briefing to MSPs, the equalities watchdog noted that the legal age in Scotland for issues "of less significance" like driving, buying alcohol and getting a tattoo is over 16.

News
'Passion' star Jim Caviezel recalls the time Jesus appeared to him
'Passion' star Jim Caviezel recalls the time Jesus appeared to him

Actor Jim Caviezel recently claimed that Jesus Christ supernaturally appeared to him more than 20 years ago as he was considering whether to take the starring role in "The Passion of the Christ," Mel Gibson's 2004 film depicting the Crucifixion. 

Frasier star Kelsey Grammer says standing up for Jesus is worth the cost
Frasier star Kelsey Grammer says standing up for Jesus is worth the cost

Emmy Award-winning actor Kelsey Grammer has said he’ll never deny his faith in Jesus Christ, even if standing by his beliefs comes at a personal cost, and shared why he believes Christians have a responsibility to remain steadfast in an increasingly fractured culture.

Why John Stott’s ‘Christian Counter-Culture’ still challenges the church
Why John Stott’s ‘Christian Counter-Culture’ still challenges the church

After more than 45 years, John Stott’s teaching on the Sermon on the Mount remains a fresh challenge to a church too comfortable with the world.

MP challenges plans to light up Belfast City Hall in support of abortion on Easter Sunday
MP challenges plans to light up Belfast City Hall in support of abortion on Easter Sunday

Carla Lockhart MP has spoken out against plans to light up Belfast City Hall in support of abortion on Easter Sunday.