The government has launched a public consultation on a new Gender Identity Bill, as the bill is being given its first reading in parliament tonight.

The government is proposing regulation in the procedures. At present, changes to official documents on gender can only be made following gender reassignment surgery, however the bill proposes that an individual can have the right to request the director of public registry to change the recorded gender, even prior to surgery. No evidence other than a signed deed will be required.

The law will also provide the possibility for parents to postpone the entry of gender on their children’s birth certificate until the child is 14.