Clause 5 - Subsequent issue of full certificates
Gender Recognition Bill [Lords]
2:30 pm
Dr Evan Harris (Oxford West and Abingdon, Liberal Democrat)
Indeed, that is a good summary of the situation. The argument for subsequent action should not apply because the decision will already have been made. Given what I said about discrimination issues this morning, although I do not want to stress this too much, one could argue that it would be unfair on someone who was married—who had to go through that extra stage—to include some additional test, unless it is in the Bill, thereby requiring more time for the panel to make a further judgment on conversion of the interim certificate to a full certificate.
It seems reasonable that there should be one test; otherwise, inequity will be created in the system. I do not feel that I need to say any more: the default situation should be no time limit other than for the purpose of annulling the marriage on the basis of the interim certificate. It is for the Minister to make the case for a time limit of six months, followed by a further six months, in the first instance.