Gender reassignment could be streamlined under proposal

Proposals to streamline the process of changing gender have been unveiled by the government, as part of an attempt to boost equality for the LGBT community.

It will also become easier for gay men to give blood under the plans, unveiled by the women and equalities minister, Justine Greening. Her department will undertake a nationwide survey of the LGBT community, which will be used to inform future plans to boost equality.

The measures are announced before the 50th anniversary of the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality under the Sexual Offences Act 1967.

An attempt to speed up and de-medicalise the process for changing gender will be the main element of a consultation on the laws that underpin gender transition, enshrined in the Gender Recognition Act.

Current rules mean that a diagnosis of gender dysphoria is required to begin the process, while individuals have to provide evidence that they have been in transition for at least two years before they can apply to legally change their gender.

Meanwhile, the period after which men can donate blood after having sex with a man will be reduced from a year to three months. The reduction was decided after independent medical advice. It followed improvements to tests for various blood infections such as as HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C or syphilis.

A national survey will aim to consult 1.5 million LGBT people in Britain, which will then be used to inform future measures for boosting equality.

A consultation on the Gender Recognition Act will be published in the autumn. It will look at removing the need for a medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria before being able to apply for gender recognition. The current need to be assessed and diagnosed by clinicians is sometimes seen as intrusive.

Ruth Hunt, chief executive of Stonewall, welcomed the proposals. “We’re pleased the government recognises there is still more to be done to ensure all lesbian, gay, bi and trans people are accepted without exception,” she said. “The consultation on reforming the Gender Recognition Act is hugely encouraging.

“The 2004 act was ground-breaking in giving trans people a way to have their gender legally recognised, but the process is in dire need of reform. We need a simple process which isn’t medicalised, intrusive or demeaning. We would urge the government to ensure that all trans communities are consulted and to act quickly on their concerns.

“Change to the blood donation rules are also welcome. However, while this is an important move, it’s vital that this is a stepping stone to a system that doesn’t automatically exclude most gay and bi men.”

Greening said: “This government is committed to building an inclusive society that works for everyone, no matter what their gender or sexuality and today we’re taking the next step forward.

“We will build on the significant progress we have made over the past 50 years, tackling some of the historic prejudices that still persist in our laws and giving LGBT people a real say on the issues affecting them.”