LEGISLATION to introduce self-identification for transgender people in Scotland passed Holyrood today — but was immediately called into question by Secretary of State for Scotland Alistair Jack, who suggested it could be prevented from receiving royal assent.

The Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill, which removes the need for a medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria to obtain a gender recognition certificate (GRC), was accepted by 86 to 39 votes following lengthy debate.

It also lowers the minimum age for applicants to 16 and drops the time required for an applicant to live in their acquired gender from two years to three months — six for those aged 16 and 17 — though with a three-month reflection period.