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A UK passport loophole that permits individuals to change their gender with a doctor’s note is facing scrutiny due to its controversial nature.
Ministers are reportedly contemplating the closure of this “major loophole” that currently enables individuals to effortlessly alter their gender on official records.
Daily Mail reports that individuals can currently obtain a passport reflecting their “acquired gender” by fulfilling certain requirements.
These include providing a letter from a medical professional affirming that their transition is expected to be permanent, as well as presenting evidence of a legal name change.
Additionally, all that is required for applicants to change the sex recorded on a driver’s licence is a brief legal declaration verifying their new identification.
Critics have raised concerns over what they call a “self-ID by the back door,” highlighting potential safeguarding issues.
According to official statistics, a significant number of individuals opt for the procedure annually, which is simpler compared to obtaining a Gender Recognition Certificate to legally change their gender, Daily Mail reports.
Equalities Minister Kemi Badenoch is said to be contemplating potential actions aimed at tackling the loophole, which has sparked discussions on transgender rights in the UK.
A Government source told Daily Mail on Sunday night, “This is a major loophole that is made more problematic by the fact that passports and driving licences are frequently used as evidence when applying for a Gender Recognition Certificate.
“It is imperative that the Home Office and Department for Transport start looking seriously at this issue.”
According to data obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, the HM Passport Office has reportedly granted approval for a total of 259 applications to modify the ‘sex marker’ on passports from male to female during the year 2022.
Additionally, the office has reportedly approved 269 applications for the opposite modification, changing the ‘sex marker’ from female to male.
Since 2018, a total of 1,457 male to female applications have been approved along with 1,731 female to male ones.
This sheds light on the continuing debates in the UK about transgender rights and possible reforms to the current passport system.
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