Clause 2 - Determination of applications
Gender Recognition Bill [Lords]
3:45 pm
Mrs Angela Watkinson (Upminster, Conservative)
I have listened carefully to the hon. Gentleman. I do not know how often it happens, but it occurs to me that some who wish to undergo the treatment may be married or may be women who have children. The lives of spouses and children would be affected profoundly by the course of treatment. When the person embarks on the treatment, their spouse may decide that, because they have been together for a long time, they can cope with such great change in their lives. Then, as the treatment progresses and time passes, they reach a point at which they decide that the situation is intolerable after all. Does the hon. Gentleman accept that there is a profound effect on the lives of family members whose spouse or parent is changing gender?