Europe UK (Commonwealth Union) – A controversial law passed in in Scottish parliament may still be blocked by the UK government. The Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill that was passed was met women’s rights protestors expressing concerns over its impact on women. Many of the protestors are likely to pin their hopes on the UK.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak addressed the issue and indicated that his cabinet would take a look at the bill indicating the possibility of overturning it.
“Lots of people have got concerns about this new Bill in Scotland, about the impact it will have on women’s and children’s safety.”
“So I think it is completely reasonable for the UK Government to have a look at it, understand what the consequences are for women and children’s safety in the rest of the UK, and then decide on what the appropriate course of action is,” said Sunak.
Opponents of the bill have emphasized the absence of safeguards giving protection to women and girls from male sexual predators that could take away safe space for women.
The new bill added further makes it possible for 16-year-olds to have a gender change where the opponents have stressed it was inappropriate permitting 16-year-olds to make such significant life changing decisions. The bill has also brought about concerns of ‘gender tourism’ to Scotland from other areas across the UK, where those who are 16 across the UK may visit Scotland to have a gender change where they have pointed to many teens who have deeply regretted making the decision to change their gender and have a high risk of becoming sterile.
Nicola Sturgeon head of the Scottish National Party (SNP) has stated that she will fight back against the attempts by the UK government to overturn the controversial bill, while author JK Rowling who also voiced her opposition to the bill expressing her concern about 16-year old’s who decide to change their gender.
