Keir Starmer says he thinks 16-year-olds are too young to change legal gender

Keir Starmer said he was 'concerned' about Scottish reforms to the law for trans people, but did not say if he would block the law as prime minister, adding that he didn't want it to be 'toxic political football'

Keir Starmer made these comments to the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg (

Image: BBC/AFP via Getty Images

Keir Starmer today said he was 'concerned' about gender recognition reforms in Scotland as he believes 16 is too young for someone to change their legal sex.< /p>

But he declined to say whether he would override the new law if he were prime minister - as Rishi Sunak may decide to do this week.

The SNP government in Scotland passed legislation last month that will allow trans people to obtain a gender recognition certificate without the need for a medical diagnosis.

The Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill also lowers the minimum age for applicants from 18 to 16.

And that cuts the time it takes for a candidate to live in their acquired gender from two years to three months - six for 16 and 17 year olds - but with a three month cooling-off period.

Rishi Sunak has expressed concerns about the law. In a constitutional dispute, he could use a Section 35 order this week to prevent him from getting Royal Assent.

Supporters of the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill take part in a protest outside the Scottish Parliament (

Picture:

PENNSYLVANIA)

Mr. Starmer said he wants to "modernize" the law for trans people to change their legal gender and remove "indignities".

He wouldn't get stuck in the details, adding that the issue has become "toxic political football".

But he confirmed "I don't think you are" old enough at 16 to change your legal gender - a key part of the Scottish Government's new law.

Mr Starmer the BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg: "I have concerns about the provision in Scotland, in particular the reduction of the age to 16 and in particular the rejection of our amendment to the Law on equality.

"But across the country, I think the law needs to be modernized.

"I think we need a respectful debate that recognizes the difference...