Thread by @Fact_Fem

Will attempt to tweet on #GRRScotland stage 3 debate. Don't rely on me though because it seems we're in for a long night of debate 🙃

scottishparliament.tv/meeting/meetin…

MSPs raised concerns about the debate schedule - i.e. how late it is expected to go on for. Asked if impact assessments have been carried out for disability, childcare etc. Considering their lack of impact assessment on women/girls in relation to #GRRScotland, I'm guessing not.

*Group 1 - Applications by 16 and 17 year olds*

Rachael Hamilton (Con) says the ScotGov own impact assessment states they need more data about young people. Polling states 81% of Scots public are against lowering the age. Shouldn't place burden of responsibility on children.

She goes on to mention the Cass Review being a "golden opportunity" to understand how scotland can improve services. Extraordinary that the Cass review was not taken into acocunt. Continued to ignore this and play down any reason for further scrutiny.

Vital that safeguards remain in place to make this bill workable. Appreciate that these safeguards are for under 18yo, but it accepts that under 18 should be able to obtain a GRC in first place. Fact there are amendments shows that we should be concerned about this #GRRScotland

Claire Baker (Lab) also highlights the Cass Review - Recognises that social transition is not a neutral act.
Scottish Gov should do a full review of services.
Mentions 'neurodiversity', mental health of YP. Largest group is female representing in adoelscence. #GRRScotland

Kenneth Gibson (Con) - Mentions 'neurodiversity' and disproportionate number of girls wanting to become boys. Need for effective counselling. Children going through normal issues of adoelscence are being sent down this pathway. #GRRScotland

Gibson mentions @BayswaterSG & parents - overshadowing other factors like Autism/ADHD, bullying, same-sex attraction. Also hyper-sexualisation of female body & understanding of sexism making girls feel like they are boys. Early experiences of sexual assault. Mentions detransition

@BayswaterSG Hamilton, Baker and Gibson have clearly spent time talking to various groups, detransitioners and looking at briefings, incl. the Cass Review. Seem to be aware of the primary concerns affecting young people in relation to this issue.
Jamie Green trying to include safeguards.

@BayswaterSG But reiterating Rachael Hamilton's point - accepting these safeguards only highlights the existing concerns of lowering the age in the first instance.

@BayswaterSG Jackie Baily (Lab) wiffling about whether it should be 3 months or 6 months. That the time should start on the person's 16th birthday. Ironically asking what safeguards will be in place🙄 #GRRScotland

@BayswaterSG Jeremy Balfour (Con) - First Minister claimimg that it isn't just about process. That it is also about new rights because of the lowering of the age. JB arguing this gives people new rights #GRRScotland

@BayswaterSG Maggie Chapman (Grn) - in favour of YP getting GRC and removing all waiting periods. "No evidence" for time periods to exist and "goes against international best practice".
"They will have been reflecting for months" - hardly a winning argument Maggie #GRRScotland

@BayswaterSG Alex Cole-Hamilton (LD) claims self-ID elsewhere "has not led to a correlation to some of the things we have heard prophesied by extending it to 16yo."

Reminder for Alex from Reem Alsalem - absence of data is not evidence.

@BayswaterSG Ash Regan (SNP) - Will not be supporting the bill but will be supporting some amendments. Doesn't think age 16 is an appropriate age for "a very profound change".
Reads out letter of concerned mother who contacted her about her 15yo autistic daughter who identifies as a boy.

Cabinet Secretary Shona Robison finally speaks...
Strong majority in all parties in support of this bill. Says they have worked constructively to strengthen the bill at Stage 2.
Fergus Ewing (SNP) - interjects with poll mentioned by Hamilton - 81% oppose lowering age #GRRScotland

Robison points to BBC bill showing support among women. See response from @LucyHunterB below as to the alleged sex differences 🤨

https://twitter.com/LucyHunterB/status/1605242350216925186

@LucyHunterB Rachael Hamilton (Con): "Would the Cabinet Secretary accept that by accepting Graham's admendments with further support for under 18 yo, that the Scottish Government are accepting that lowering the age is a problem?" #GRRScotland 🔥

The model in England is different from that provided in Scotland, which is apparently the reason why the Cass Review isn't relevant to Scotland.
Very odd justification from Shona Robison, given that other countries have taken note of the Cass Review #GRRScotland

Getting a full time job, changing name, voting, paying tax are, from what Robison is stating, is equivalent to obtaining a GRC (and most likely being medicalised).

"[A GRC] aligns with other rights and responsibilities young people are given at 16 years" #GRRScotland

SR continues... Teachers shouldn't expect to be approached about "confidential conversations they have with YP" when YP obtaining a GRC.

This is concerning and surely goes against safeguarding protections? In what other situations are adults not expected to disclose? @claireOT?

@claireOT Rachael Hamilton - ScotGov is "deeply confused about the definition of a child" and the "holes in this part of the bill are glaring."

🔥"That we are having this conversation around extra safeguards is an admission that members in this chamber are concerned."🔥

Groans as Maggie Chapman makes a crude and nasty intervention:
Does Hamilton think its "wrong to weaponise neurodiversity and neurodivergent YP in this way in this debate and say that they are incapable of making decisions for themselves." #GRRScotland

Chapman's face as Hamilton responds 😂
"Disgraceful to lower the tone of this very respectful debate that we're all having today. We have a right to speak about our concerns... if we do not have a reobust debate on this we cannot make good legislation and that is a problem."

Daniel Johnson (Lab) responds to MC, as someone who is 'neurodivergent'. Thinks we should "think very carefully" about this bill.

Hamilton not impressed...
"Please don't ever intervene in that manner again Maggie Chapman, because it is very upsetting from a personal point of view."
Maggie tries to intervene again, but Hamilton very firmly says "No. No thank you". Clearly not happy with MC #GRRScotland

Amendment 6 (Rachael Hamilton) - removal of lowering of age for a GRC to 16 years (to remain at 18 years).
Chamber voted no.
Therefore, age for obtaining a GRC will be lowered to 16 years. #GRRScotland

And now we move to the next group of Amednments. New thrad time!

https://twitter.com/Fact_Fem/status/1605252567407407104