The Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill will abolish the requirement for a gender dysphoria diagnosis to obtain a gender recognition certificate (GRC).
Scotland is likely to approve controversial gender legislation that would make it simpler for transgender individuals to change their registered gender.
In addition, the minimum age for applicants would be lowered to 16 and the time required to live in the acquired gender would be reduced from two years to three months (or six months for those aged 16 and 17), with a three-month reflection period.
After a marathon session of parliament yesterday, MSPs will review the last of the 153 amendments submitted at stage three of the bill this afternoon before casting their final vote.
Protests from the public gallery disrupted the session, with opponents of the law chanting “shame on you all” as an amendment that would have made it more difficult for sex offenders to apply for a GRC was defeated.
The Scottish Tories appeared to be attempting to make the proceedings as long as possible by introducing four amendments to the agenda, forcing a vote on the schedule for the consideration of amendments, introducing a further motion for MSPs to vote on, and raising several points of order before the debate on amendments.
The party also chose to vote on amendments, even though the change’s proponent did not.
It is one of the most contentious measures introduced in Holyrood since devolution.
Opponents have raised concerns about its impact on the safety of women and girls, while the Scottish government has insisted it will not affect the Equality Act, which permits transgender individuals to be excluded from single-sex spaces such as changing rooms and shelters in certain circumstances.
The anticipated passage of the bill, which has backing from the SNP, Greens, Labour, and Lib Dems, could lead to additional disciplinary concerns inside the SNP, given that seven MSPs from the ruling party voted against it and two others abstained in the first round.
