Trans people would not need medical diagnosis to change gender under proposals to be examined by MPs

Transgender people would not need a medical diagnosis in order to legally change their gender under proposals set to be considered by MPs.

The Women and Equalities Committee will examine whether a mandatory diagnosis of gender dysphoria should be dropped from the legal process of transitioning as part of a new inquiry focused on improving trans equality.

It comes just weeks after Liz Truss confirmed the Government would not adopt a right of self-declaration for transgender people without such a diagnosis.

However, Ms Truss proposed several changes to the current law, such as cutting the costs of legal gender change to £5 and the opening of several new gender clinics.

Committee Chair Caroline Nokes said the Government had made "progress" but questioned whether the proposals went far enough.

The Tory MP said: "The Government has said it wants to make the process of applying for a Gender Recognition Certificate ‘kinder and more straightforward’, make it a fully online process, and reduce the fee. Which is progress – but is it enough?

“We’re seeking views about what other changes may be required to improve trans equality: to the Gender Recognition Act, or to other legislation - for example the Equality Act, to support services and facilities, and on legal reforms which could improve rights for gender fluid and non-binary people.”

As part of the inquiry, the group of MPs will examine whether transgender people should be required to live in their acquired gender for at least two years before legally transitioning.

They will also consider if legal reform is needed to better support the rights of gender fluid and non-binary people.

The Committee will receive written evidence until Nov 27 and produce a report of recommendations next summer.

It comes after the Government ruled that transgender people would not be able to legally change gender without a medical diagnosis after a three-year consultation.

Women and Equalities Minister Ms Truss confirmed last month that she would maintain the rules set out in the Gender Recognition Act (GRA).

"It is the government's view that the balance struck in this legislation is correct," Ms Truss said.

In 2018, Theresa May’s government proposed reforming the GRA to allow transgender people to “self-ID”, meaning they would no longer have to be diagnosed with gender dysphoria to obtain a legal certificate.

While the response to the subsequent consultation was largely positive, campaigners warned such a move would erode women’s rights in sports, prisons and single-sex spaces.

Responding to the consultation on reforming the legislation, Ms Truss said that the current "balance struck in this legislation is correct" because there are "proper checks" in place.

Ms Truss announced some other changes to the process, including reducing the application fee from £140 to £5.

Stonewall, which campaigned for the right to self-identify as transgender, said that the Government had "fallen far short" on its promise to reform the act.