UK LGBT+ organisations write to PM to defend Gender Recognition reform
Image shows Consortium logo with the slogan ‘for stronger LGBT+ communities’ above the title LGBT+ Organisations Protecting Trans Rights, and a graphic of a hand holding a sign saying ‘Trans Rights Are Human Rights’ against a background incorporating the trans flag of light blue, pink and white stripes.
MORE THAN 170 LGBT+ affirming organisations have signed a statement sent to 10 Downing Street in support of the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill which the UK Government is attempting to block.
The Open Table Network is one of the signatories to the letter urging the Prime Minister to stop any challenges to the Bill and treat trans people with respect.
The statement says:
In December 2022, the Scottish Government passed its Gender Recognition Reform (GRR) with overwhelming cross-party support from Members of the Scottish Parliament after many years of consultation, review and discussion.
The UK Government is now considering challenging the Scottish Government’s mandate to implement this bill by ending reciprocal recognition of Gender Recognition Certificates (GRCs) from all countries that support trans people changing their legal gender using a self-determination mode - including Canada, Australia and New Zealand - after the UK has accepted them for years.
Seeking to end this system is an extraordinary move that is not based on any evidence or experience. It sends a clear message that the UK Government does not feel trans people are worthy of respect in our society; instead, they are a threat to contain.
These moves also directly oppose the inclusive values that characterise modern Britain and will actively harm the UK’s international reputation as an open, diverse and dynamic society - an important reason why global corporations who proudly support LGBTQ+ rights are attracted to doing business in the UK.
We implore the Prime Minister to stop this unnecessary and damaging action immediately and instead recognise the significant positive contribution of trans people across the UK.
The letter is coordinated by Consortium, the LGBT+ voluntary & community organisation which works to build the resources, sustainability and resilience of LGBT+ groups, organisations and projects across the UK. The Open Table Network is a member of Consortium.
Read and share the statement on the Consortium website.
LGBT+ affirming Christian organisations with whom the Open Table Network works in partnership have also signed the Consortium statement, including the Ozanne Foundation, Oasis Open House, and The Gathering Gardiff.
Other organisations signing the letter include Stonewall the LGBT+ rights charity, which is urging people to write to their MP to tell the Government not to put into motion worrying restrictions on trans people’s rights. They have created a template which is quick and easy to use - you can find your MP and contact them just by entering your postcode. More than 10,000 people have responded.