Six in ten people oppose the Scottish Government's Gender Recognition Reform Bill to make it easier for people to legally change gender.

According to the Holyrood committee considering the plans, a recent consultation received more than 10,000 responses - a record in Scottish Parliamentary history.

Out of the 10,800 submissions received, 59 per cent disagreed with the purpose of the bill, to scrap the need for a medical diagnosis or doctors note before a person can apply for a gender recognition certificate.

Speaking when the Scottish Government published its plans earlier this year, CARE's Scottish Parliamentary Officer Michael Veitch said:

“We share the concerns expressed by many groups about a system of ‘self-declaration’ and will be communicating these through the legislative process.

“The state of political and societal debate on this policy is a matter of regret. It is more than possible to ensure a civil and respectful discourse on this issue if all parties agree to work towards this goal. This must involve a willingness to listen and try to understand where different groups are coming from.

“It is also important that all voices are heard equally. Our own starting point is the objective reality of male and female and the differences between the sexes being something that should not be erased. We call on Ministers to give attention to legitimate and sincerely-held concerns.”

In March, CARE published an article dealing with FAQs on the Gender Recognition Act and self declaration. Read it here:

Q&A: The Gender Recognition Act and Self ID | CARE