Caithness MP Jamie Stone says blocking the Gender Recognition Act is an affront to union and democracy
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Far north MP Jamie Stone has lashed out at the UK government after it was confirmed it would block the Gender Recognition Act (GRA) that sought to make it easier for people to change their legally recognised gender.
The Bill was bitterly contested in Holyrood in December with some 150 amendments tabled as many were concerned about the implications of the move, particularly related to concerns over access to women-only spaces.
The bill was finally passed by 86 votes to 39 by MSPs from the SNP, Greens, Liberal Democrats, Labour and Conservatives, although the majority of Conservatives voted against.
Scottish Secretary Alistair Jack confirmed on Monday that he would seek to block the GRA becoming law, saying the impact beyond Scotland was significant and could not proceed to Royal Assent.
He argued that the GRA would have a significant impact on UK-wide equalities issues “in Scotland, England and Wales" and "I have concluded, therefore, that this is the necessary and correct course of action”.
It is the first time in the history of devolution that a Scottish Bill has been blocked because it is perceived as having a negative impact on UK law – previous challenges were because MSPs had exceeded their powers.
It makes a face-off between the UK and Scottish governments inevitable and it looks likely to end up in court, while the UK Labour party does not look like it will challenge the intervention despite their own Scottish MSPs voting for the bill.
Mr Stone, the Lib Dem MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, criticised the move by the UK government, saying “any Conservative that calls themself a unionist should be hanging their head in shame".
"My proud signature is on ‘a Claim of Right for Scotland.’” he said. “The document that brought the Scottish Parliament into being. I served as a founder MSP for 12 years. I believe in devolution.
"How dare the UK government ride roughshod over the Scottish right to make Scottish laws for Scots? MSPs of all political colours voted in favour of this bill. For the UK government to interfere on devolved legislation is an affront to the union and to democracy itself.”
Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey MP Drew Hendry also hit out at themove.
The SNP MP said: "Westminster has launched a full-frontal attack on our democratically elected Scottish parliament.
“They've been actively undermining the rights of Scotland's people for years; now they are going head-on – any pretence of respect for democracy is well and truly out the window."
He added: “Regardless of views on the issue, the vote was taken by the people the Scottish public voted into office to do just that. It is unacceptable – and what's next?"
Scottish Trans, the trans equality project of LGBTI equality and human rights charity the Equality Network, has condemned the UK government’s announcement that they will seek to block the GRA.
Vic Valentine, manager of Scottish Trans, said: “The bill as passed would introduce a simpler and fairer way for trans men and women to be legally recognised as who they truly are, allowing them to live with the dignity we all deserve.
“It was passed by the Scottish Parliament by 86 votes to 39, with the overwhelming support of the SNP, Labour, the Greens and the LibDems.
“That followed years of consultation, and lengthy parliamentary consideration and debate. The bill covers matters that are devolved to the Scottish Parliament, and its consequences were considered by MSPs in great detail.”
