Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Gender Recognition Certificate: Application Process

Wednesday 8 March 2023 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government have taken steps to modernise the application process for gender recognition certificates and to reduce costs.
  • GRC applicants now pay 5 and a digital application process was launched on 29 June.
  • Government recognise the need for a consistent approach to GRCs in relation to the Equality Act 2010.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Andrew Lewer Con
Women & Equalities
Context

The current application process for obtaining a gender recognition certificate has been the subject of criticism and calls for reform.

Question

What progress her Department has made on amending the application process for a gender recognition certificate. The Government have taken steps to modernise the application process for obtaining a gender recognition certificate and to make applications more affordable.

Answer from Stuart Andrew

The Government have taken steps to modernise the application process for obtaining a gender recognition certificate and to make applications more affordable. GRC applicants are now required to pay £5 and the newly developed digital application process for GRCs launched on 29 June.

Answered
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Q2 Andrew Lewer Con
Women & Equalities
Context

There is a need for consistency in the recognition of gender recognition certificates issued by other countries, particularly considering the interaction with the Equality Act 2010.

Question

Does the Minister agree that it is important to have a consistent approach to the recognition of overseas countries' GRC schemes and that, because of the complex interaction with the Equality Act 2010, it is right to recognise the schemes of only those countries that have equivalent approaches?

Answer from Stuart Andrew

A consistent approach to GRCs is fundamental to the effective functioning of legislation in this area. The GB-wide Equality Act was carefully drafted in the light of, and to reflect, the specific limits of the UK-wide Gender Recognition Act 2004.

Answered
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Q3 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Women & Equalities
Context

There are concerns in Northern Ireland and the UK about the impact of gender recognition certificates, prompting a need for engagement with various stakeholders to address these issues.

Question

I thank the Minister for his response. Many people in Northern Ireland, and the United Kingdom as a whole, have concerns about gender recognition certificates. Has he had an opportunity to talk to some of those organisations to get their opinion, so that we can draw up a policy that is recognised by everyone?

Answer from Stuart Andrew

I recognise that this is an area of considerable concern for some, but it is important that the debate is calm and measured, and absolutely respects the individuals involved. I have many meetings with people from around the country on these specific issues, and we take careful consideration of all the points that are made to ensure that everybody feels confident that the law is in the right place.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not explicitly confirm if he has met organisations concerned about GRCs or sought their opinions directly.

How: Calm And Measured Debate

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