Scottish Parliament approves gender recognition reforms
MSPs have voted by 86 votes to 39 in favour of the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill.
Last updated 22nd Dec 2022
Controversial gender reforms that would allow transgender people to self-identify have been passed amid heated scenes at Holyrood.
As MSPs voted by 86 votes to 39 in favour of the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill, shouts of "shame on you" could be heard from the public gallery.
But there was also applause from supporters of the reforms - which will remove the need for a medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria before obtaining of a gender recognition certificate (GRC).
The changes will also drop the minimum age for applying for such a certificate from 18 to 16, and bring down the time a person is required to live in their acquired gender.
Opponents of the Bill have said it could endanger women and girls and put single-sex spaces at risk, something the Scottish Government has repeatedly denied.
Secretary of State for Scotland Alister Jack said the UK Government could seek to block the Bill becoming law.
He said: "We share the concerns that many people have regarding certain aspects of this Bill, and in particular the safety issues for women and children.
"We will look closely at that, and also the ramifications for the 2010 Equality Act and other UK-wide legislation, in the coming weeks - up to and including a Section 35 order stopping the Bill going for Royal Assent if necessary."