Scottish Parliament final debate on Gender Recognition Reform today

[ArabellaScott]

At some point after 2pm, in the Big Room (the Chamber).

www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/whats-on-and-watch-live/whats-on#wm

Will be interesting to see how the Amendments go down, if they are all struck down as the ScotGov wishes - www.holyrood.com/news/view,gender-recognition-reform-crunch-vote-after-shona-robison-warns-msps-over-amendments

'the Scottish Conservatives have warned that the debate could lead to a "travesty of democracy" because a 15 minute time limit for each proposal will "shut down" discussion.'

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-64032916

Amendment allows a Sherrif to revoke a GRC if someone is carried out by rape, using male genitals

Already have been deeply worrying cases of sex offenders IDing as women. This is happening. We should not be passing a bill that would enable more of it.

Not only an insult to victims, but makes a mockery of crime statistics.

Law can say rape committed by women - an affront to every woman in Scotland.

Fingers too cold - taking a typing break!

6,000 registered sex offenders in Scotland.

Michelle Thomson.

Bad faith actors. First Minister [where is she?] has recognised concerns.

Amendment is on men who've been charged with a sex offence but not yet put on the SO register.

It's a bit like watching a slow motion car crash, isn't it. 😬

Abusers could use the process to exert control over victims.

Probability is low but outcome could be devastating. My history - PTSD - desperation - days of depression - acute need to feel safe - anxiety - distress caused by this Bill - had to go home in tears.

Not looking for sympathy. Impact of trauma falls hardest on the weakest, the poor, the disenfranchised. Who has spoken for them?

No impact assessment in 6 years on traumatised women.

Committee failed to meet with women.

Recent case - Scotgov argued a man with a GRC becomes a woman for all purposes.

Logical extension that Scotgov regards a man convicted of rape with a GRC is a woman for all purposes.

Does Gov understand they're putting rights of a man seeking a GRC who's been charged with rape above those of victims?

Insurance companies ask about convictions because thse are directly relevant to risk.

Question from Roddy DUnlop:

I can conceive no sensible basis this Amendment would be rejected. Would merely stop rights being abused by men who are not trans. Why would anyone aid and abet these men?

This is insane

How can anyone listen to this and not say - this whole thing is problematic, start again?

Because this is Brave New Scotland.

Current amendment regards sex offenders and GRC application.

'Just because something is unlikely to happen doesn't mean you don't mitigate risk'

Right, fingers seizing. Taking a break.

As Alex Cole Hamilton is one of the 7 MSP's who voted against the six words amendment in the Forensic Medical Services Bill, I have to resist the urge to hiss whenever I pass by his office.

Shona Robison - no evidence predatory/abusive men have ever needed to apply for a GRC - this hasn't happened in other countries where self ID has been adopted

Is there some kind of mind-altering drug being piped into the water supply at Holyrood?

Intervention from Ash Regan

'Wasn't characterisation put forward from Reem Alsalem - she said evidence is there but hasn't been collated and analysed'

Is gov concerned impact assessments ahve not taken place - we're collecting data increasingly on gender identty, not sex

Shona - there will be amendments coming on what data should be collected

SR - I also met with Reem Alsalem - no evidence was brought forward, general concerns were voiced, this is not the same as hard evidence

Fergus Ewing - over 300 sex offenders have changed thier name, to disguise themselves - how will there not be additional risk from men masquerading and applying for a GRC in order to change name

I think ACH’s relentless campaigning against women’s rights is one reason why so many people in Edinburgh have signed the petition to ‘Update the Equality Act to make clear the characteristic “sex” is biological sex.’

Thank you @ArabellaScott for your hard work and keeping us up to date! Each time I refresh, I'm stunned.

SR - Bill doesn't change Equality Act - recognises concerns and fears that are genuine - I've tried to address them [fucking how?!]

Current process - has been in place for 18 years - doesn't bar sex offenders from applying - assessment made currently not made on basis of risk or harm

this new system allows for risk to be assessed

Thomson - risk assessment - we have to look at key stakeholders - risk of traumatising victims is as important as rights of offenders'

Oh.... Shone. "I don't think that's a bad thing that we have listened"

Irony alert

SR - likelihood of bad actors is v low - I propose a proportionate approach based on assessment and management of risk

Sex offenders will be required to notify police if they apply for a GRC