Rishi Sunak appears to be softening his stance on Nicola Sturgeon’s proposed new gender recognition laws in Scotland.
The new laws proposed by Scotland will allow people to change their legal gender without a medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria in just three months. British ministers have previously indicated they are ready to take the unprecedented step of blocking the legislation.
The adoption of the reforms sparked a furious row between Holyrood and Westminster, but Mr Sunak today sought to take the heat out of the debate, saying it was “completely standard” for the UK government to assess the impact of new laws adopted by local governments. administrations.
Asked if he will block the gender recognition reform bill, Mr Sunak told the BBC’s Good Morning Scotland programme: “As is standard practice, it is perfectly normal for the UK government to seek advice on the impact of adopting an Act of Parliament by the Scottish Parliament, that Act, across the UK and then consider how best to proceed.
“That’s the process that’s going on right now. I think that’s perfectly reasonable and standard and so that’s where we are.”
Asked whether Scottish sex certificates would be recognized in the rest of the UK, the Prime Minister said: “What worries me is the impact of the Bill in the UK and as is perfectly standard, the UK Government will be seeking guidance on that. “
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