Wes Streeting says there is 'consensus' a position that could satisfy both sides of the gender reform argument. Photo: Rich Dyson.
The SNP has hurt LGBT rights by failing gender reform in Scotland, Labor's shadow health minister has said.
Wes Steating said the Scottish government's refusal to heed criticism of self-identification has sparked a «poisonous» debate on the issue, which 'turned the case back' for minority groups.
Appearing on the Edinburgh Fringe show in front of broadcaster Ian Dale, he also hit back at members of his community who attacked him for apologizing to Rosie Duffield, Labor MP, gender-critical.
Labor recently shifted its reform policy towards gender recognition, stating that, contrary to the law passed in Holyrood and voted for by Scottish Labor, a medical diagnosis is still required for legal gender reassignment.
He stated about the changes. which was proposed by the Labor Party in Holyrood but was rejected by the SNP «would neutralize a whole set of issues that have become quite toxic and would actually set back the cause of LGBT rights.»
Bill blocked
He added: “I have a lot of criticisms about SNP. But as far as gender recognition reform is concerned, I would call their bill a really good example of what happens if you only legislate with good intentions.
«And don't legislate for the worst case scenario, risks and issues that arise. It would be better if they listened to the opposition a little more and we can learn from this at the UK level.”
The UK government has blocked Scottish reforms out of fear that any man could change. their legal gender by signing a declaration could jeopardize the safety and rights of women.
The Holyrood bill would allow all Scots aged 16 and over to change their legal gender simply by signing a declaration.
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Critics argue that the system will be wide open to abuse by male predators, who they say can change gender to gain access to women's areas such as locker rooms and shelters.
The SNP has repeatedly dismissed claims that its reforms pose a risk to women, but has seen the argument undermined by the case of Isla Bryson.
The transgender double rapist was originally placed in a women's prison due to the Scottish Prison Service's policy of self-identification.
«Pursued by his own party»
The MP, who is openly gay, also revealed that he was targeted by members of his own community after coming to the defense of Ms Duffield, who was harassed and threatened as a result of her outspoken stance on gender issues.
Comparing the current debate to the controversy over same-sex marriage, he insisted that there was a «consensus» that could satisfy both sides of the dispute.
“I feel like the intensity of the debate is worse than in my adult life,” he said. «What I've been trying to do for transgender equality is see if we can build a broad consensus that makes this country a safer and happier place for transgender people to live and be themselves.»
» Also, make sure women don't feel like their rights, their voices or their space are being attacked or marginalized in any way.»
He added: “Rosie has been threatened with death, abused, it’s terrible. The reaction [to the apology], especially in my own community, has been pretty terrible. I've had people say I've sold out the LGBT community and I should be kicked out of every LGBT space.
“I thought the way to LGBT equality in this country is to build a smaller tent? I don't see equality being achieved that way.»
SNP 'the constant whining'
Mr Streeting also downplayed his own leadership ambitions, strongly backing Sir Keir Starmer and predicting that he would remain in office in for ten years.
He claimed that the leader sent him a message of support after he confessed that he would like to lead the party one day.
On the difficulties of the SNP after the police investigation into party finances and the arrest of Nicola Sturgeon , he accused the Nationalists of promoting a «grievance policy» and «constant whining.»
«They [used to] speak with one voice like the Borg from Star Trek,» he said. . “Now they're at each other's throats, it's really interesting to watch. It's nice to see other political parties crumble.”
SNP contacted for comment.
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