JK Rowling has branded Nicola Sturgeon a “destroyer" of women’ rights over plans to make it simpler for people to change gender.
The bestselling Harry Potter author shared a picture of herself on social media as women gathered outside the Scottish Parliament today to protest against the SNP/Green Government proposals.
The Bill sets out plans to speed up the time it takes to obtain a Gender Recognition Certificate and also lowers the age for obtaining one from 18 to 16.
A medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria would no longer be required for a GRC, removing the requirement for doctors’ reports.
The period of time someone must have lived in their “acquired gender” before applying would also be reduced from two years to three months under the legislation.
Some women believe the Bill threatens existing women’s rights and a rally was staged today to highlight their opposition.
In a show of solidarity, Rowling stated: “I stand in solidarity with @ForWomenScot and all women protesting and speaking outside the Scottish parliament. #NoToSelfID.”
She also wore a teeshirt which claimed that Sturgeon is a "destroyer" of women’s rights.”
Social Justice Secretary Shona Robison said: “Legal gender recognition has been available for 18 years but many find the current system for obtaining a Gender Recognition Certificate to be intrusive, medicalised and bureaucratic. This Bill aims to simplify and improve the process for a trans person to gain legal recognition, giving them better access to their existing rights.
“Our support for trans rights does not conflict with our continued strong commitment to uphold the rights and protections that women and girls currently have under the 2010 Equality Act. This Bill makes no changes to that Act."
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