The UK government of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has stated that it will block any attempt by the Welsh government to introduce gender recognition law reforms that allow transgender people to acquire a Gender Recognition Certificate without needing a medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria. The government claims that this is to ensure that LGBTQ people are treated equally. Despite this, they are not willing to allow devolved reform of the Gender Recognition Act in Wales.
The Welsh government recently launched its LGBTQ+ Action Plan to improve the rights of LGBTQ people, including banning all aspects of so-called conversion therapy practice. However, the Welsh Parliament cannot currently make its gender recognition laws, and the government’s plans for reform to improve the Gender Recognition Act, which has the backing of the Senedd Cymru, will not go ahead.
In Westminster, four weeks ago, the Conservative government blocked the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill, which would have modified the Gender Recognition Act, allowing trans Scots to gain legal recognition without a medical diagnosis. However, many people are worried about the safety of women and children, particularly in relation to women’s refuges, and remain opposed to the bill’s reforms.
