Westminster threatens to block controversial Scottish Gender Recognition Act

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Scotland has become the first part of the UK to approve gender self-identification plans which some have hailed as a 'historic day for equality' , while others protested against the rights of women and girls.

The UK government has said it may block controversial new gender recognition laws in Scotland - but Holyrood has warned that any attempt to do so would be "vigorously contested".

MSP backed the proposals by 86 votes to 39 in the final vote in the Scottish Parliament, making it easier and less intrusive for individuals to change legally of sex, while extending the self-identification system to 16- and 17-year-olds for the first time.

The reforms, which split the ruling SNP, remove the need for a medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria before a gender recognition certificate can be obtained.

Opponents say it could endanger women and girls by endangering single-sex spaces, which the Scottish government has repeatedly denied.

L passage of the bill does not pave the way for the law book, with Scottish Secretary Alister Jack now able to legally challenge the law if he feels it has an impact on the UK, while that private groups can also take legal action if they wish.

UK Equality Minister Kemi Badenoch has raised concerns about the bill's impact on rest of the country.

In a statement after the final vote, Mr Jack said the UK government would consider action in the Supreme Court.

“We share the concerns that many people have regarding certain aspects of this bill, and in particular the safety issues for women and children," he said. said.

"We will be looking closely at this, and also the ramifications of the Equality Act 2010 and other UK-wide legislation, in the coming weeks - up to and including a Section 35 order stopping the Bill will receive Royal Assent if required."

Under Scottish law, the UK government can challenge delegated legislation s 'he believes it has an impact on national security or reserved matters.

But a Scottish Government spokesman warned that "any attempt by the UK Government to undermine the democratic will of the Scottish parliament will be vigorously contested."

The Gender Recognition Reform Bill has been one of the most controversial since devolution, and Thursday's debate saw a number of protesters expelled from the chamber of Holyrood for disrupting the proceedings, shouting "shame on you" and "it's the day the darkest".

However, MSPs cheered after the final vote, which was supported by the SNP and Green parties and by...