Tuesday, January 17, 2023

Court Battle Looms as UK Ministers Block Scottish Gender Recognition Law

THE GUARDIAN: Nicola Sturgeon says her government will ‘vigorously defend’ legislation by seeking judicial review of decision

The UK and the Scottish governments appear set on a major court battle on constitutional powers after Westminster ministers formally blocked a law passed by Scotland’s parliament creating a self-identification system for people who want to change gender.

Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister, said the decision by Alister Jack, the Scottish secretary, would “inevitably end up in court”. Announcing the decision to the Commons, Jack also said he expected the issue to be decided this way.

Jack told MPs he was making the so-called section 35 order under the 1998 Scotland Act, which created the devolved parliament, which meant the gender recognition reform Scotland bill would not receive royal assent.

The Welsh first minister, Mark Drakeford, said the decision to use a section 35 order marked “a very dangerous moment”, adding: “I agree with the first minister of Scotland that this could be a very slippery slope indeed.” » | Peter Walker, Political correspondent | Tuesday, January 17, 2023
ALSO READ:

Conversion practices ban will include transgender people, Donelan confirms: Latest government U-turn on policy comes amid row over Scotland’s gender recognition bill »

London will Gender-Gesetz in Schottland verhindern: Transpersonen sollen in Schottland bald einfacher ihren Geschlechtseintrag ändern dürfen. Gegen das Gesetz hat die Regierung in London ein Veto eingelegt. Nun droht ein langer Rechtsstreit. »