Yesterday the Gender Recognition Amendment Bill 2017 was passed unanimously in the Seanad.
Sinn Féin’s Senator Fintan Warfield, Independent Senator David Norris and Green Party Senator Grace O’Sullivan launched the Gender Recognition Amendment Bill 2017 in March this year on International Transgender Day of Visibility.
Varadkar has announced that the bill’s review will commence by September 2017 and that the completed review will be presented to the Oireachtas by no later than September 2018.
The new bill amends the pioneering Gender Recognition Act 2015 in three ways:
- Removes the arduous process for young people between 16 – 17 to receive gender recognition putting them on equal (informed consent) criteria to those over 18.
- Allows for young people under 16 to receive gender recognition with parental consent.
- Allows for non-binary and intersex persons to be specifically considered in the review of the Gender Recognition Act.
Following the passing in the Seanad, Senator Warfield thanked those who supported the bill.
“I welcome the positive support shown by all parties and independents today to the issue of gender recognition for young trans and non-binary people,” he said.
“The lack of legal recognition leaves them with substantial difficulties in everyday life regarding schools, travel, and work.
“I thank the Senators who supported the Bill passing through second stage and call on all parties to ensure the gender recognition of our young trans and non-binary people is made a reality in the near future.”
As trans rights continue to progress in Ireland, so too does trans visibility in the media.
Christine Beynon, a trans woman living in Galway, will have her selfies documenting her transition displayed as part of an exhibition in the Galway Arts Centre, Becoming Christine, later this month.
Sinead O’Connor recently announced that she is moving the the US and, after increasing in dress size, wants to donate 30 years of clothing and make-up to trans youth in Ireland.
The Rose of Tralee has indicated that trans women can apply to the beauty pageant.
© 2017 GCN (Gay Community News). All rights reserved.
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