A Conservative peer has urged the UK Government to intervene and block the gender recognition legislation passed by the Scottish Parliament. Lord Keen of Elie, a former advocate general for Scotland, expressed concerns that the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill could affect the functioning of the UK-wide Equalities Act 2010, potentially opening it up to legal challenges.

His remarks come amid a significant pushback from the LGBT community, with a coalition of 145 leaders from various LGBT organizations writing to the Prime Minister, advocating against such government action.

Last month, Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) approved the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill with a decisive vote of 86 to 39. The new legislation aims to simplify the process for trans individuals to obtain a gender recognition certificate (GRC), allowing them to do so without needing a medical diagnosis.

In response to the potential legal challenge, the Scottish Government has pledged to “vigorously” defend the Bill against any moves to contest it under the Scotland Act, highlighting its commitment to supporting trans rights and ensuring the reforms are enacted.