Scotland: MSPs approve plans to lower legal gender change age

 (Photo: Getty/iStock)

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
Chin human rights group takes Myanmar junta to court over killings, rapes
Chin human rights group takes Myanmar junta to court over killings, rapes

The Chin have been badly treated throughout much of Myanmar's post-independence history.

Sir Brian Souter says the nation is 'seeing a rebirth of Christ-centred Christianity'
Sir Brian Souter says the nation is 'seeing a rebirth of Christ-centred Christianity'

Sir Brian Souter, the founder of Stagecoach and Megabus, has spoken candidly about the role of Christian faith in business and his view that Britain’s increasingly secular culture may be giving rise to a renewed and more authentic form of Christianity.

Report reveals religious and political shifts in UK
Report reveals religious and political shifts in UK

Faith identity and ideology "are assuming a more significant role in shaping political allegiance, civic participation, and the wider culture", a new report has found.

'Quiet revival' continues as Winchester sees Christmas surge
'Quiet revival' continues as Winchester sees Christmas surge

In some cases the numbers coming were double what was expected.