MBM statement on Scottish Government Programme for Government announcement on GRA reform

“The consultation on the previous draft Bill raised serious questions that currently remain unanswered. These include a failure to address the interaction between self-declaration and the operation of single-sex exceptions under the Equality Act 2010, and a failure to define ‘acquired gender’, making it impossible for this to be demonstrated, or the system to be regulated. Other concerns include cross-border effects and the potential misuse of privacy provisions. Nor has the Scottish Government produced any evidence to support its view that the proposed changes would not have a negative impact on women and girls. To build consensus in this area, the Scottish Government needs to listen to and engage with the specific concerns raised by women and be open to working constructively during the legislative process.”