Reform of the Gender Recognition Act

Women and Equalities Committee Closed Inquiry
Opened: 28 Oct 2020 Closed: 12 Dec 2022 Parliament page
The Government has published its proposals for changes to the gender recognition process and set out how it plans to move forward. The Women and Equalities Committee will examine these proposals, gathering evidence on whether the Government’s proposed changes are the right ones and whether they go far enough. This … Read more
24 Recommendations
6 Conclusions
1 Report
6 Oral sessions
31 Letters
6 Events
Activity timeline 39 events
13 Jul
2022
Correspondence
29 Mar
2022
Correspondence
24 Mar
2022
Report published
24 Mar
2022
Correspondence
3 Mar
2022
Correspondence
28 Jan
2022
Correspondence
21 Dec
2021
Report published
16 Jul
2021
Correspondence
14 Jul
2021
Correspondence
8 Jul
2021
Correspondence
7 Jul
2021
Correspondence
30 Jun
2021
Correspondence
Oral evidence sessions 6 sessions
16 Jun 2021
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Jo Churchill MP · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Melanie Field OBE · Equality and Human Rights Commission The Baroness Falkner of Margravine · Equality and Human Rights Commission
12 May 2021
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Reform of the Gender Recognition Act
Dr Harriet Hutchinson · Action for Trans Health Durham Dr John Chisholm CBE · British Medical Association Dr Michael Brady · NHS England John Stewart · NHS England Leigh Chislett · 56 Dean Street
21 Apr 2021
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Dr Judith Green · Woman's Place UK Dr Nicola Williams · Fair Play for Women Raquel Rosario-Sanchez · FiLiA
17 Mar 2021
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Cat Burton · Gender Identity Research and Education Society Dr Jane Hamlin · Beaumont Society Lui Asquith · Mermaids Nancy Kelley · Stonewall
10 Feb 2021
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Karon Monaghan QC · Matrix Chambers Naomi Cunningham · Outer Temple Chambers Robin White · Old Square Chambers Sally Brett · The Law Society
9 Dec 2020
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Dr Kathleen Stock · University of Sussex Dr Ruth Pearce · Trans Learning Partnership Professor Alex Sharpe · University of Warwick Professor Alice Sullivan · University College, London Professor Rosa Freedman · University of Reading School of Law Professor Stephen Whittle OBE · Manchester Metropolitan University
Title HC No. Published Items Response
Third report- Reform of the Gender Recognition Act HC 977 21 Dec 2021 30 Responded
Recommendations & Conclusions
15 results
Clear
4 Recommendation Not Addressed
Third report- Reform of the Gender…
The length of time taken by the Government Equalities Office to respond to its own...
The length of time taken by the Government Equalities Office to respond to its own consultation is unacceptable. Not only did this delay exacerbate tensions between an already polarised group of stakeholders, but it also caused real distress to many … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledged the importance of engaging with the committee but did not address the specific criticism regarding the unacceptable delay in responding to its consultation or the failure to communicate progress during the delay. It highlighted that a response was eventually published and Ministers provided opportunities for scrutiny.
Government Equalities Office
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6 Conclusion Not Addressed
Third report- Reform of the Gender…
Ministers are fundamentally accountable to Parliament and have a duty to make themselves available for...
Ministers are fundamentally accountable to Parliament and have a duty to make themselves available for scrutiny by the House and its committees. The same applies, with certain qualifications, to other public servants and public officeholders. We are deeply disappointed by … Read more
Government Response
The government's response did not address the committee's deep disappointment regarding the GEO and EHRC's perceived evasion of parliamentary scrutiny and failure to engage with the inquiry. Instead, it focused on rejecting the claim that the GRC fee reduction was 'tokenistic' and explained its rationale.
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7 Conclusion Not Addressed
Third report- Reform of the Gender…
The Government Equalities Office response to the consultation on the Gender Recognition Act was minimal...
The Government Equalities Office response to the consultation on the Gender Recognition Act was minimal and ignored areas where there was a majority in support for change. The Minister for Women and Equalities committed to reducing the fee, placing the … Read more
Government Response
The government's response defended the £5 fee reduction, arguing it was not 'tokenistic' and was implemented quickly via secondary legislation, leading to a significant increase in GRC applications. However, it did not directly address the committee's broader criticism that the overall consultation response was minimal or ignored areas of majority support for change.
Government Equalities Office
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8 Recommendation Not Addressed
Third report- Reform of the Gender…
We remain frustrated at the degree of engagement by the Government Equalities Office and the...
We remain frustrated at the degree of engagement by the Government Equalities Office and the Equality and Human Rights Commission. These key bodies have a vital role to play in enforcing and enacting real change in this area. They should … Read more
Government Response
The government's response discusses the digitisation of the GRC application process, which is unrelated to the committee's call for ministerial cooperation and compliance with accountability procedures.
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9 Recommendation Not Addressed
Third report- Reform of the Gender…
We believe that the requirement of a diagnosis of gender dysphoria in order to obtain...
We believe that the requirement of a diagnosis of gender dysphoria in order to obtain a Gender Recognition Certificate should be removed from the Gender Recognition Act, moving the process closer to a system of self-declaration. The legal recognition Reform … Read more
Government Response
The government's response details progress on digitising the GRC application process, which does not address the recommendation to remove the requirement for a gender dysphoria diagnosis.
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14 Recommendation Not Addressed
Third report- Reform of the Gender…
We recommend the requirement for spousal consent should be removed.
We recommend the requirement for spousal consent should be removed. When an application is made, the non-transitioning spouse should be notified by the body 74 Reform of the Gender Recognition Act processing the application (currently the Gender Recognition Panel) that … Read more
Government Response
The government's response commits to engaging fully with the Committee and building a constructive relationship, which does not address the recommendation to remove the spousal consent requirement for a Gender Recognition Certificate.
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15 Conclusion Not Addressed
Third report- Reform of the Gender…
We agree with the Government Equalities Office that the age of 18 is the appropriate...
We agree with the Government Equalities Office that the age of 18 is the appropriate age at which an individual should be able to decide on whether they want to apply for legal gender recognition. Part of the process of … Read more
Government Response
The government's response did not address the committee's conclusion agreeing that 18 is the appropriate age for legal gender recognition. Instead, it provided a generic statement acknowledging the importance of committee engagement and committing to a constructive relationship.
Government Equalities Office
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18 Recommendation Not Addressed
Third report- Reform of the Gender…
Section 22 of the Gender Recognition Act is important.
Section 22 of the Gender Recognition Act is important. It ensures the privacy of transgender people by making it a criminal offence for a person who has acquired information about a person’s GRC, in an official capacity, to disclose it … Read more
Government Response
The government's response did not address the recommendation to amend Section 22 of the Gender Recognition Act to cover only deliberate and knowing disclosures. Instead, it reiterated its view that the overall diagnosis requirements in the GRA are robust and appropriate.
Government Equalities Office
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19 Recommendation Not Addressed
Third report- Reform of the Gender…
We reiterate our predecessor Committee’s recommendation for better guidance on the single-sex and separate-sex exceptions...
We reiterate our predecessor Committee’s recommendation for better guidance on the single-sex and separate-sex exceptions and urge the Government Equalities Office and Equality and Human Rights Commission to publish this guidance, using worked examples and case studies from organisations providing … Read more
Government Response
The government's response states its view on the appropriateness of diagnosis requirements in the GRA, which does not address the recommendation to publish guidance on single-sex/separate-sex exceptions and trans/non-binary inclusive services.
Government Equalities Office
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22 Recommendation Not Addressed
Third report- Reform of the Gender…
The conflation of the terms sex and gender in both the Gender Recognition Act and...
The conflation of the terms sex and gender in both the Gender Recognition Act and Equality Act has led to widespread confusion and disagreement. We welcome the Equality and Human Rights Commission guidance on sex and gender reassignment and believe … Read more
Government Response
The government reiterated its view that the position set out in September 2020 is appropriate and that GRA evidential requirements ensure a robust legal gender recognition process, but did not address the recommendation on updating language in acts and official documents.
Government Equalities Office
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23 Recommendation Not Addressed
Third report- Reform of the Gender…
We recognise the importance of collecting and monitoring data on natal sex, especially in cases...
We recognise the importance of collecting and monitoring data on natal sex, especially in cases of equality monitoring. We also recognise the sensitives around collecting and monitoring data on natal sex and the distress it can cause trans and gender … Read more
Government Response
The government reiterated its view that the position set out in September 2020 is appropriate and that GRA evidential requirements ensure a robust legal gender recognition process, but did not address the recommendation on developing data collection guidelines.
Government Equalities Office
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26 Recommendation Not Addressed
Third report- Reform of the Gender…
There is undoubtedly an urgent need for more trained and specialist clinicians who have the...
There is undoubtedly an urgent need for more trained and specialist clinicians who have the knowledge and understanding to work in the growing number of gender identity clinics. We welcome NHS England’s funding of a programme in gender dysphoria medicine. … Read more
Government Response
The government's response did not address the recommendation for DHSC and NHS England to attract more trainee doctors to specialise in gender identity healthcare. Instead, it discussed the necessity and retention of the statutory declaration requirement for GRC applications.
Government Equalities Office
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27 Conclusion Not Addressed
Third report- Reform of the Gender…
We are aware that the COVID-19 pandemic has made access to primary healthcare more difficult...
We are aware that the COVID-19 pandemic has made access to primary healthcare more difficult for everybody, including transgender and non-binary people. In her response to the Gender Recognition Act Consultation, the Minister for Women and Equalities argued that the … Read more
Government Response
The government's response discusses the necessity of a statutory declaration for gender recognition and does not address the committee's concerns about the Government Equalities Office's work on transgender and non-binary primary healthcare.
Government Equalities Office
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28 Recommendation Not Addressed
Third report- Reform of the Gender…
The Government Equalities Office and Department for Health and Social Care should develop a healthcare...
The Government Equalities Office and Department for Health and Social Care should develop a healthcare strategy for transgender and non-binary people within the next year. The strategy should include: • improved and mandatory training for GPs around treating trans and … Read more
Government Response
The government's response defines the term 'spouse' and does not address the recommendation to develop a healthcare strategy for transgender and non-binary people.
Government Equalities Office
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29 Recommendation Not Addressed
Third report- Reform of the Gender…
We welcome confirmation from the Department of Health and Social Care that the LGBT Action...
We welcome confirmation from the Department of Health and Social Care that the LGBT Action Plan is considered a point of reference for the Department. However, we are concerned that the Government Equalities Office appears to have abandoned it. This … Read more
Government Response
The government's response defines the term 'spouse' and does not address the recommendation to commit to the LGBT Action Plan or reinstate the LGBT Advisory Panel.
Government Equalities Office
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Government Response AI assessment · 30 of 24 classified
Accepted 3
Accepted in Part 1
Acknowledged 3
Deferred 1
Not Addressed 15
Rejected 7
Total 24 recs + 6 conclusions
Correspondence 31 letters
13 Jul 2022 To committee Letter from then Secretary of State for Health and Social Care regarding The Gender Recognition (Disclosure of Information) (England) Order 2022, dated 28 June 2022
Parliament page
29 Mar 2022 Correspondence to the Chair from the Minister for Equalities in response to our letter relating to the Government’s response to the Reform of the Gender Recognition Act inquiry
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24 Mar 2022 Correspondence from the Chair to the Minister for Equalities relating to Government’s response to the Reform of the Gender Recognition Act inquiry
Parliament page
3 Mar 2022 Correspondence to Elliot Colburn MP from the Minister for Equalities relating to the Westminster Hall debate on the Reform of the Gender Recognition Act
Parliament page
28 Jan 2022 Correspondence to the Chair from the Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission relating to our inquiry into the Reform of the Gender Recognition Act
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16 Jul 2021 Correspondence to the Chair from the Director of Specialist Commissioning relating to our inquiry into the Reform of the Gender Recognition Act
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14 Jul 2021 Correspondence to the Chair from the Minister for Equalities relating to our inquiry into the Reform of the Gender Recognition Act
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8 Jul 2021 Correspondence to the Chair from the Leader of the House of Commons relating to ministerial attendance at the GRA evidence session
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7 Jul 2021 Correspondence to the Chair from the Speaker relating to the ministerial attendance at Select Committee evidence sessions
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30 Jun 2021 Correspondence to the Chair of the Liaison Committee from the Chair relating to attendance of GEO Ministers
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30 Jun 2021 Correspondence to the Leader of the House from the Chair relating to attendance of GEO Ministers
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30 Jun 2021 Correspondence to the Speaker from the Chair relating to attendance of GEO Ministers
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29 Jun 2021 Correspondence to the Minister for Equalities from the Chair relating to our inquiry into the Reform of the Gender Recognition Act
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11 Jun 2021 To committee Letter from Minister for Equalities regarding the inquiry on Reform of the Gender Recognition Act
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11 Jun 2021 To committee Letter from Chair to Minister for Equalities regarding the inquiry on Reform of the Gender Recognition Act
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21 May 2021 Correspondence from the Minister for Equalities to the Chair relating to her invitation to give evidence on the Reform of the Gender Recognition Act inquiry
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21 Jan 2021 To committee Letter from the Chair to Judge Paula Gray with follow-up questions for the inquiry on the Gender Recognition Act
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13 Jan 2021 From committee Letter to the Chair of the Committee from the EHRC relating to the Reform of the Gender Recognition Act 2004 inquiry
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9 Dec 2020 Correspondence to the EHRC from the Chair in response to correspondence on GRA inquiry
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27 Nov 2020 Correspondence from the EHRC to the Chair regarding the Gender Recognition Act
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16 Oct 2020 Correspondence from the Chair to the Minister of Women and Equalities relating to reform of the Gender Recognition Act
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15 Oct 2020 To committee Letter from the Minister for Women and Equalities relating to refrm of the Gender Recognition Act
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22 Sep 2020 To committee Letter from the Secretary of State Elizabeth Truss MP to the Chair regarding the next steps in the GRA 22.09.20
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22 Sep 2020 To committee Letter from the Secretary of State responding to Caroline Noakes regarding the GRA
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18 Sep 2020 To committee Letter from the Secretary of State Elizabeth Truss MP to the Chair regarding the GRA 18.09.2020
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8 Sep 2020 To committee Letter from the Chair to thr Secretary of State Elizabeth Truss MP regarding the GRA
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1 Sep 2020 To committee Letter from the Chair to Elizabeth Truss concerning Reform of the Gender Recognition Act 2004 (GRA)
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2 Aug 2020 To committee Letter from the Secretary of State to WEC Chir regarding the GRA
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23 Jul 2020 To committee Letter from the Chair to the Minister for Women and Equalities concerning reform of the Gender Recognition Act
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1 Jul 2020 To committee Letter from the Minister for Women and Equalites to the Chair, concerning reform of the Gender Recognition Act
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24 Jun 2020 To committee Letter from the Chair to the Minister for Women and Equalites, concerning reform of the Gender Recognition Act
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