Historic Veto: Westminster Blocks Scottish Gender Reform Bill
Westminster has pulled the ultimate political power move, blocking Scotland’s Gender Recognition Reform Bill from becoming law. For the first time ever, a Section 35 order under the Scotland Act 1998 has been used to stop a Scottish Parliament bill from receiving Royal Assent.
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack struck down the controversial legislation, which was passed by Holyrood in December. The bill aimed to simplify the process for changing gender and lower the legal age for gender recognition from 18 to 16.
Scotland’s Government Furious
Nicola Sturgeon slammed the move as “a full-frontal attack on our democratically elected Scottish Parliament and its ability to make its own decisions on devolved matters.” The First Minister promised a fight, saying the Scottish government would defend the legislation and the right of Holyrood to govern devolved issues.
She warned this could be just the beginning: “If the Westminster veto is successful, it will be the first of many.”
Public Opinion Divided on Gender Reform
- A 2021 Survation poll found that 53% of Scots oppose allowing transgender people to declare their own gender without medical diagnosis. The survey included 1,028 Scottish residents.
- A BBC-commissioned Savanta ComRes poll showed 57% support for making Gender Recognition Certificates easier to obtain, but a majority opposed lowering the eligibility age from 18 to 16.
- That same poll revealed 40% back self-identification, with 37% against it, highlighting deep divisions on the issue.
The political battle over transgender rights in Scotland is far from over, with Westminster’s historic veto setting the stage for a fierce fight over devolved powers and social policy.
