Scotland's New , Gender Recognition Bill , Blocked By UK Government.<br />CNN reports that the United Kingdom has blocked a new <br />law meant to allow trans people in Scotland to change <br />their legal gender without a medical diagnosis.<br />CNN reports that the United Kingdom has blocked a new <br />law meant to allow trans people in Scotland to change <br />their legal gender without a medical diagnosis.<br />The controversial move has reportedly <br />heightened the already highly emotional <br />debate over Scottish independence.<br />In a Twitter post on January 16, Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland's <br />First Minister, called the UK government intervention , “a full-frontal attack on our democratically <br />elected Scottish Parliament and its ability to <br />make its own decisions on devolved matters.".<br />In a Twitter post on January 16, Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland's <br />First Minister, called the UK government intervention , “a full-frontal attack on our democratically <br />elected Scottish Parliament and its ability to <br />make its own decisions on devolved matters.".<br />According to Scottish Secretary Alister Jack, <br />the decision was made because of the bill's <br />potential impact on UK-wide equality laws. .<br />Under Scotland's current system, trans people <br />must receive a medical diagnosis of gender <br />dysphoria and abide by a waiting time of two years.<br />CNN reports that trans people in Scotland <br />must also be at least 18 years old to be <br />eligible to change their gender marker. .<br />The proposed, and now vetoed, bill would have dropped <br />the medical diagnosis requirement, cut the waiting time <br />down to six months and lowered the age limit to 16. .<br />Last month, a majority of Scottish <br />lawmakers voted to approve the new <br />bill with a tally of 86 for and 39 against.<br />CNN reports that many in Scotland accuse <br />the UK government of blocking the bill for <br />political, rather than constitutional, reasons.<br />Two-thirds majority in favor of <br />a bill within devolved competence <br />– Tories we didn’t elect want to<br />strike it down for political reasons, Emma Roddick, a Scottish Parliament lawmaker for the SNP, via CNN
