Lib Dems face internal conflict over gender recognition policies

The Liberal Democrats are facing a debate about their policies on gender recognition at their spring conference this weekend. Some members are against the leadership’s support for allowing people to legally change their gender without medical approval. A proposed motion, led by women and equalities spokesperson Christine Jardine, suggests removing the need for doctors in the process of obtaining a gender recognition certificate. The motion also aims to acknowledge non-binary identities and end the spousal veto, which requires consent from a partner for a gender change. However, a recent poll shows that many party members disagree with these changes. According to the YouGov survey, only 17% believe the current rules are too strict, while 61% want to keep them the same. Additionally, most members do not support allowing those under 18 to be prescribed puberty blockers. Critics like Dr. Zoe Hollowood, chairwoman of Liberal Voice for Women, emphasize that the membership does not support key aspects of the LGBTQ+ motion. They argue that more urgent issues, like the cost of living crisis and healthcare, should be prioritized instead. Jardine has defended the motion, explaining that even with the removal of medical reports, individuals would still need to prove they have lived in their affirmed gender for two years. Currently, the process for obtaining a gender recognition certificate is seen as bureaucratic. Tensions have risen between the party leadership and women's rights groups over these issues in recent years. The party has faced criticism about its handling of discussions related to gender identity and women's rights, culminating in legal challenges regarding discrimination against members with gender-critical beliefs.