On 23 May, Sinn Féin’s spokesperson for Social Protection, Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh, launched the Gender Recognition Bill. The Private Members Bill aims to ensure that everyone has a right to legal recognition of their self-identified gender and the right to be issued with official documentation, including birth certificates. In 2007, the High Court ruled that Ireland is in breach of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) because of its failure to legally recognise Dr Lydia Foy as a woman. Click here to read detailed information from the Free Legal Advice Centres (FLAC) about Dr Foy's efforts to be recognised in her true gender.
Dr Foy gave a briefing to the Oireachtas ahead of the Bill's launch, with Michael Farrell, FLAC Senior Solicitor and Broden Giambrone, Director of the Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI). All three welcomed the Bill as a positive step forward. Click here to read a FLAC press release and here to read TENI's press release.
The Bill is modelled closely on Argentinean legislation that was passed in May 2012. Sinn Féin’s Bill does not require that a person would have to have undergone surgery or have been diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder to be recognised in a new gender. These type of qualifications were recommended by the Irish Government's Gender Recognition Advisory Group.
Click here to read a TENI press release on the Argentinean legislation.
Click here to read an article from thejournal.ie on the new Bill.