Seanad to debate Sinn Féin’s Gender Recognition (Amendment) Bill – Warfield

Sinn Féin spokesperson for the Arts, Youth Affairs and LGBTQI Rights Senator Fintan Warfield said that his Gender Recognition (Amendment) Bill 2017 which is to be debated in the Seanad tomorrow has the potential to enhance the lives of many in the Trans community.

The Bill is co-signed by Senators Grace O’Sullivan and David Norris and, if passed through the Houses of the Oireachtas, will allow young trans people to be legally recognised by their true gender.

The Bill will amend the Gender Recognition Act 2015 in three ways:

· Removes the arduous process for young people between 16 – 17 to receive gender recognition putting them on equal criteria to those over 18.

· Allows for young people under 16 to receive gender recognition with parental consent.

· Allows for non-binary and intersex persons to be specifically considered in the review of the Gender Recognition Act.

Senator Warfield said:

“Gender Recognition has enhanced the lives of many in the Trans community. Of that, there can be no doubt. However, this state in no way offers a pathway to legal gender recognition for citizens under the age of sixteen.

“That is not acceptable and represents a massive obstacle to LGBTQI legislative equality.

“Nor is it acceptable that citizens between the ages of sixteen and eighteen face an invasive and arduous process in availing of legal gender recognition.

“I am calling on those of all parties and none to ensure that this Bill is passed following the debate, which commences at 2pm tomorrow.”