Ireland : Gender Recognition Bill published, falls short of meeting the needs of Trans young people

The Bill introduces a mechanism whereby young people aged 16 and 17 can obtain a Gender Recognition Certificate. While the inclusion of under 18’s within the bill represents some progress, the process they would have to follow is, BeLonG To believes, too arduous, impartical and unfair on young people.

The process for 16 and 17 year olds will require parental consent, a court order, a letter from a primary treating medical practitioner and a concurring opinion from an independent endocrinologist or psychiatrist.

Speaking today, David Carroll, Executive Director with BeLonG To said “We acknowledge the inclusion of Trans young people in the bill however, we are concerned that young people without parental consent will not have access to a Gender Recognition Certificate under the current proposals. The four-fold requirement for parental consent, a court order and two medical letters is unneccessarily arduous on young people who are often at an extremely vulnerable and stressful moment in the lives. These requirements reinforce exclusion and will not contribute to descreasing marginalisation and isolation amongst Trans young people.”

IndividualiTy, a weekly peer support group for Trans identified young people aged 14 – 23 is one of BeLonG To’s core groups, and has experienced a huge rise in attendance in recent years with an ever reducing age of young people reaching out for support.

Mr. Carroll continued, ” Often parents contact us seeking support for their Trans children and despite their best efforts, families all too often report feeling isolated, frustrated and left extremely vulnerable’

While the introduction of this Bill is another step forward in creating a Trans inclusive legal framework it falls far short of meeting needs of Trans young people. As it stands the Bill is also out of synch with Advice from the Ombudsman for Children’s Office on the General Scheme of the Gender Recognition Bill 2013.

We are committed to advancing the rights of Trans young people as the Bill moves through the legislative process.

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