Gender Bill may be most scrutinised legislation in Holyrood’s history – Sturgeon

The First Minister also accused the Conservatives of trying to filibuster the legislation.

Supporters of the Gender Recognition Reform Bill (Scotland) rallied outside Holyrood while MSPs debated the legislation (PA) (PA Wire)

Nicola Sturgeon has defended her Government’s Gender Recognition Reform Bill, saying it may be the “most scrutinised piece of legislation” in Holyrood’s history.

The First Minister also accused the Conservatives of trying to filibuster and delay the legislation.

Her comments came after two marathon sessions at the Scottish Parliament which saw MSPs debate amendments to the Bill late into the night.

At First Minister’s Questions on Thursday, Conservative leader Douglas Ross asked why the Government had not supported an amendment jointly proposed by the SNP’s Michelle Thomson and Tory Russell Findlay.

The amendment would have prevented those awaiting trial for a sexual offence from changing gender.

Their exchange came ahead of a further session where MSPs will debate the final version of the Bill.

Ms Sturgeon said the Government had backed other amendments which introduced safeguards to the Bill, but Mr Ross contended these were “weaker” than Ms Thomson’s proposals.

The First Minister went on to say that removing the need for medical diagnosis for those who want to legally change their gender is one of the Bill’s key elements.

The need for a medical diagnosis is “one of the most intrusive, traumatic and dehumanising parts of the current system”, she said.

Ms Sturgeon said: “I will never apologise for trying to spread equality, not reduce it, in our country.”

Mr Ross said polling shows the Scottish public do not support the changes the Bill will bring in.

He said: “The public are not against improvements to support trans people, they are against this Bill.

“The problem is not reform, the problem is the First Minister’s reforms.

“While there may be a majority in this chamber later today to support this legislation, a majority of the public oppose the Bill.”

Saying the Bill reduces women’s rights and risks their safety, he added: “Let me ask the First Minister, and all Labour, Liberal Democrat and SNP members who support it – Shouldn’t they take the time to get this right, instead of charging ahead with a Bill that the people of Scotland do not support?”

Ms Sturgeon said the last two days have seen 20 hours of debate in a “full and robust” legislative process.

She said: “This is possibly the most scrutinised piece of legislation in the history of this Parliament.”

The First Minister said a majority of MSPs, including some Conservatives, had “respectfully disagreed” with the arguments put forward by Mr Ross.

Later, Tory MSP Sue Webber asked if scenes in Holyrood surrounding the debate on the Bill had “reflected badly” on the Parliament, noting one woman had been “thrown out of the gallery” and another “law abiding woman was threatened with arrest”.

Ms Sturgeon told her: “Some of the elements of our proceedings this week have reflected badly on the Conservative Party.

“I recognise different and sincerely held views on this Bill, but not withstanding that what we saw from the Conservative Party were deliberate attempts to filibuster, to delay and to frustrate the decision making process.”