Self-ID and Democracy
Ash Regan MSP speaks out about the shameful tactics of SNP ministers who are bulldozing a bill through parliament which will allow men to declare they are women or girls - without any medical oversight or proper safeguarding measures in place.
A big majority of Scots reject the concept of Self-ID and are firmly opposed to gender ideology being imposed in our schools, hospitals and other public institutions.
The arrogance of Nicola Sturgeon on this issue is really quite breathtaking - yet she has the cheek to portray herself as champion of democracy.
So many questions on new gender law still need answers
By Ash Regan - The Times
Afew weeks ago I found myself in a strange predicament. Despite being a loyal minister of many years standing, my conscience would not allow me to vote with the government on gender reform. Yesterday the Gender Recognition Reform Bill passed its second stage of scrutiny virtually unamended in any substantive way.
I am not against reform in this area but any reforms must protect the rights of everyone. In my view the key areas of concern are the implications for children’s health, women’s rights and safeguarding.
Children considering transitioning often need mental health support, and a “wait and see” approach can work well. Social transition can too easily lead to a medicalised pathway — of untested puberty blockers, sex hormones and even surgery, all of which come with physical health risks, loss of sexual function and even sterility. As a society we do not let children make choices with such far-reaching consequences.
Amendments that could have prevented those on the sex offenders register from obtaining a gender recognition certificate (GRC) and strengthened the law on single sex prison allocation were voted down or withdrawn. Many public institutions in Scotland are already operating a de facto self-ID policy which is questionable as this is prior to the law being changed.
A recent example is Katie Dolatowski, a trans-identified male and convicted sex offender who is in prison for physical assault and has just been moved from Polmont (where Dolatowski had assaulted a male inmate) to Cornton Vale Prison, which is part of Scotland’s female prison estate. Questions are rightly being asked about the risk posed to female prisoners and staff.
We have single-sex prisons for a reason. The law should support the Scottish Prison Service to hold prisoners according to the risk they present, no matter how they identify. Violent sex offenders have no place in the women’s estate.
Women’s single-sex spaces for privacy, safety or therapeutic purposes are enshrined in the Equality Act 2010. These important protections will be impossible to uphold when anyone can decide they are a woman and have a GRC to prove their legal status.
If this bill is to be enacted, there needs to be clear guidance for institutions and business to ensure they operate within the law. There are so many unanswered questions. More clarity is required so that we understand the impact this change in the law will have on all of us.
