Law could be changed for transsexuals (BBC)
Thursday, April 15, 1999 Published at 01:12 GMT 02:12 UK
 
UK Politics
Law could be changed for transsexuals 
Dr Lynne Jones has been leading a campaign for transsexual rights
The government is to consider changing the law to prevent discrimination against transsexuals.
The move is topical, coinciding with a current plot line in the popular television soap opera Coronation Street. In the show, factory worker Hayley Patterson has experienced problems trying to marry fiance Roy Cropper because she was born a man. Scientific developments The Home Office says the matter is difficult and complex, but the working group will look at the issues of birth certificates, marriage and parenthood. Officials say that scientific and social developments will be taken into account, as well as how other countries deal with the issue. Twelve government departments will be represented on the committee, which has been asked to complete its findings by Easter next year. The parliamentary campaign for equal rights for transsexuals has been led by Dr Lynne Jones, Labour MP for Birmingham Selly Oak. She has been campaigning on the issue since taking up the case of a transsexual constituent shortly after she was elected in 1992. Copyright © 1999, BBC News |
