We have completed the National Records of Scotland (NRS) online survey on the draft Equality Impact Assessment for Scotland's 2021 census. Our main substantive responses are shown below. Q. What do you think are the most significant impacts on…
Losing count: consultation on the sex question in the 2021 census
Background In June 2019 the Scottish Parliament passed the Census (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill, with the effect of introducing new voluntary questions on gender self-identity and sexual orientation in the 2021 census. The detailed census questions will be agreed by the…
MBM statement on the 2021 census
Earlier this year, MSPs from all parties voted to include a new question on trans status in the 2021 Census. Gender reassignment is a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010, so it is right that the census collects data…
Scottish Affairs paper on policy capture: update
We have been delighted by the response we've had to our paper on policy capture and gender self-identification in the current edition of Scottish Affairs. It was downloaded almost 5,000 times in the 12 days following publication. In his column in…
Proposals to test the census sex question guidance miss the point
As part of its preparation for the 2021 Scotland census, National Records of Scotland (NRS) are planning to commission testing which looks at the effect of offering different forms of accompanying guidance for the sex question. The sex question itself…
Losing Sight of Women’s Rights: article for Scottish Affairs
This post brings together material relating to Losing Sight of Women’s Rights: the unregulated introduction of gender self-identification as a case study of policy capture in Scotland, available here (open access) in Scottish Affairs Vol 28 (3). Authors’ statement We share the view of Professors Cordelia…
Scotland’s 2021 Census: consultation and question development
27 June 2019 Consultation with stakeholders and question testing In its Stage One Report, the CTEEA Committee noted that the ‘lack of early engagement with a range of groups and individuals, including a broad range of women’s groups, to be…
MBM statement on GRA reform
20 June 2019 We believe that a more measured, evidence-based and inclusive approach to reforming the Gender Recognition Act 2004 (GRA) will result in better policy and legislative outcomes, for all affected groups. The Scottish Government needs to address the…
Census (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill: MBM Stage 3 Briefing
Introduction The main purpose of the Census (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill is to introduce two new, voluntary questions on sexual orientation and transgender identity/status. These changes are not controversial and were agreed at Stage 2. The Scottish Government also wishes…
MBM statement on recording in the Scottish Criminal Justice System
Recorded crime statistics allows stakeholders, policy-makers and researchers to analyse and monitor offending trends, develop our understanding of offending behaviours, and to target resources and services. To ensure these statistics are valid, reliable and consistent, the data criteria of what…
