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08 MAY 2014
Gender Recognition Scheme to be Discussed in the Dail
Tomorrow, 9th May at 12pm, the report on the Gender Recognition Scheme that was published by the Committee on Education and Social Protection in January will be debated in the Dail.
This is a historic moment for the Trans* community in Ireland as it is the very first time that gender recognition legislation will be discussed in Dail Eireann.
The debate can be followed live online here.
You can also read the Committee report here.
The Recommendations of the Committee
The recommendations of the Committee in relation to the General Scheme of Gender Recognition Bill 2013 are as follows:
Terminology (Para 5.1 of the Report)
Having regard to practices in other jurisdictions as well as to legislative constraints, consideration should be given to whether the term ―preferred gender‖ should replace the term ―acquired gender‖ in the Bill.
Age Criterion (Para 5.2)
The age at which a person is entitled to apply for a Gender Recognition Certificate should be reduced from 18 years to 16 years. Measures should also be put-in-place to address the day-to-day concerns of transgender people under the age of 16 years.
Single Criterion (Para 5.3)
The Committee acknowledges that there is a difference of opinion between the Attorney General and others on the legal issues regarding gender recognition for persons who are married or in a civil partnership. However, the Committee believes that the fact that a person is in an existing marriage or a civil partnership should not prevent him or her from qualifying for a Gender Recognition Certificate, and urges the Minister to revisit this issue.
Evidence of Transition (Para 5.4)
The Committee recommends that the current wording in the Bill with respect toevidence of transition should be reconsidered to address the concerns raised at the hearings that people not be stigmatised as a result of the requirements in this regard.
Guidelines for Schools (Para 5.5)
Guidelines on supporting the inclusion of transgender young people in schools should be developed in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
Participation in Sport (Para 5.6)
The provisions in Head 26 should be reconsidered in consultation with stakeholders. Irish sporting regulatory bodies receiving public funding should develop comprehensive policies in relation to the participation of transgender people.
Equality Acts (Para 5.7)
Consideration should be given to amending Equality legislation to add ―gender identity to the existing nine grounds under which discrimination is illegal
For more information:
Please contact TENI at:
email: office@teni.ie
phone: (01) 873 3575
About TENI:
Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI) seeks to improve conditions and advance the rights and equality of trans people and their families.
www.teni.ie
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