Amnesty International reacts to reports that the UK government is planning to scrap plans to enable transgender people to change their birth certificate without a medical diagnosis, saying such measures would see the UK plummet in LGBTQ+ equality rankings.
Amnesty International, the human rights organisation, has reacted to reports that the UK government is planning to scrap plans to enable transgender people to change their birth certificate without a medical diagnosis, saying such measures would see the UK plummet in LGBTQ+ equality rankings.
Chiara Capraro, Amnesty International’s Women’s Rights Programme Director, said: ‘Reports that the Government intends to scrap plans to bring gender recognition laws in line with human rights standards are extremely worrying.
‘More than two years ago, the Government rightly set out a plan to reform the out-of-date Gender Recognition Act – a U-turn on this would send a chilling message that the UK is a hostile place for trans people.
‘Perpetuating wrong stereotypes of trans women as a danger to other women is dehumanising and wrong, and risks further inciting hate crimes against trans people.
‘The UK is already slipping further and further down the European rankings for LGBTQ+ equality – falling from 3rd to 9th place over the past three years. The proposed move would no doubt see the UK plummet even further.
‘The UK has always prided itself on being a champion of LGBTQ+ equality – if it’s serious about this, it will update the Gender Recognition Act to ensure trans people can enjoy their rights, free from discrimination.’
More info on Amnesty International, visit: www.amnesty.org.uk
While reported in most major UK newspapers, and Gscene, a No 10 source has said the details of the response are yet to be finalised, and that PM Johnson would have the final say on the recommendations.
