Gender recognition
We have produced an extensive body of analysis on gender recognition reform in Scotland, including a detailed, evidence-based response to the 2019 Scottish Government consultation on its draft Bill. In 2022 we submitted a written response to the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee call for views on the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill and gave oral evidence in parliament.
We also met with Scottish Government officials and the relevant Minister to discuss the Bill, and raised concerns about the move to a self-declared system with the Equality and Human Rights Commission, Scottish Human Rights Commission, and UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls.
Our written submissions, together with our wider body of analysis on gender self-identification laws and polices, are published on this page.
Latest updates and analysis
-
Why does the Scottish Prison Service hold men convicted of murder in the female prison estate? A policy timeline
Introduction On 3 and 4 February, the Scottish Government is heading to court to defend the Scottish Prison Service’s policy (2023) on the management of transgender prisoners. In a...
26th January 2026
-
Appointment of new EHRC chair: revisited
Introduction The Minister for Women and Equalities, Bridget Phillipson MP, last week confirmed Dr Mary Ann Stephenson as the next Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC)....
2nd August 2025
-
Who is responsible for the cost to the public purse of Peggie v NHS Fife and Dr Upton?
Introduction In this blog we try to answer the question of who is responsible for the decisions and costs to the public purse incurred in the case of Peggie...
30th July 2025
-
A regressive step for Scottish policing: Police Scotland Interim transgender search guidance
Image: Progress flag at Police Scotland headquarters (posted on X 6 June 2024) 1. Introduction On 25 June 2025 Police Scotland published Interim guidance on Searching of transgender persons...
21st July 2025
-
The threat to domestic violence support services for women in Edinburgh
Introduction This blog looks at a recent threat to funding provided by the City of Edinburgh Council to Edinburgh Women’s Aid (EWA). This arose from an objection to EWA’s...
16th June 2025
-
Giving women a voice: the Supreme Court and the STUC
Introduction The Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) was founded in 1897. Its stated purpose is to co-ordinate, develop and articulate the views and policies of the Trade Union Movement...
1st May 2025
-
Acting now on the Supreme Court judgment: Scottish Government premises as a case study
Introduction Following the clarification of the law by the Supreme Court, the Scottish Government has repeatedly stressed the need for the EHRC to issue a revised Code of Practice...
30th April 2025