Clause 23 - Power to modify statutory provisions
Gender Recognition Bill [Lords]
4:15 pm
Mr David Lammy (Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs; Tottenham, Labour)
We had an interesting debate about the various uses of ''female'', ''male'', ''sex'' and ''gender'' in legislation in this country. I indicated that the use of the words ''sex'' and ''male'', in particular, was much higher than the use of the words ''female'' and ''gender''. That has much to do with current practice, which has developed since the '70s, since when people have tried to use less gender-specific terminology. I support the point that the hon. Gentleman has made. In that sense, this provision could be used to remedy a situation.
I should put it on the record that if the Bill is enacted, Parliament clearly will have agreed the basic principle that a person is to have all the rights and responsibilities appropriate to the acquired gender. The power to modify statutory provisions will be used only to ensure that that principle has full effect. That is an important qualification to make when discussing an enabling provision. I am grateful for the hon. Gentleman's observation in relation to clause 18 and I will study that carefully.