A joint statement from NUS Scotland and Glasgow School of Art Students' Association in response to recent actions by Rape Crisis Glasgow

81 students’ unions, associations, and societies have signed an open letter to Kemi Badenoch, UK Minister for Women and Equalities, and Alister Jack, Secretary of State for Scotland, demanding that they withdraw their move to block the passing of the GRR (Scotland) Bill into law.

NUS Scotland has today welcomed the passage of the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill by the Scottish Parliament.

NUS Scotland has today warned MSPs not to miss this “historic” opportunity to advance the rights of trans people across Scotland. 

NUS Scotland warns MSPs not to water down the Gender Recognition Reform Bill which would allow transgender people to legally self-declare their gender, rather than requiring a medical diagnosis. 

NUS Scotland president, Ellie Gomersall said: 

“This could be a landmark moment for Scotland’s transgender citizens.  

“NUS Scotland urges MSPs to pass the Bill without further amendments that would undermine its core principles or risk further delays.  

“The student movement has a long and proud history of advocating for the liberation of all, including our LGBTI+ siblings, and have supported this legislation from the outset.” 

“By removing bureaucratic, dehumanising, and degrading barriers to legal gender recognition, we believe the Bill will be an important step towards full legal and social equality for trans men and women in Scotland.  

“The eyes of the world are now on Scotland – we hope they will see a country confidently advancing equality for trans men and women, just as 13 other nations have already.” 

More Resources

Email your MSPs to ask them to support the Bill

Equality Network's open letter to MSP's in support of the Bill

NUS Scotland's response to the first consultation in 2018 

NUS Scotland's response to the Bill itself