The proposed Gender Recognition Bill is a step forward but it falls seriously short of providing adequate protection to Trans young people, especially within the education system and makes no attempt to protect and vindicate their right to freedom of expression. On a practical level this impacts on uniform choice, access to appropriate toilets, the name which appears on the school roll and the right to join sports teams targeted for those of a certain gender.

Belong To

Speaking yesterday at the introduction of the bill, David Carroll, Executive Director of BeLonG To said “The failure of the Bill to address these issues and provide security for Trans young people transitioning within education will have a negative impact on the mental health of the young people affected. This will likely lead to a patchwork of different policies and procedures in schools across the country which will make it all the more difficult for trans young people to transition to their preferred gender.”

The Bill introduces a mechanism whereby young people aged 16 and 17 can obtain a Gender Recognition Certificate. BeLonG To, and the Trans young people we work with and represent, believe that the process as outlined to obtain the certificate is too arduous and unfair on young people.

The exclusion of under 16s from the Bill is regrettable. Research has shown that Trans individuals are aware of their gender from a very young age, even if they sometimes lack the language to adequately describe it. BeLonG To hopes that at Committee stage much of these concerns can be addressed and that the Tánaiste is receptive to accepting amendments to the Bill.

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Publishes press/media releases and content for LGBT media outlets.