Scottish transgender reform looks imminent after marathon Holyrood debate

Crunch vote looms after debate prolonged by disruptions, attempted delays and uncertainty over possible amendments

Transgender 16- and 17-year-olds in Scotland are set to be able to apply to change the sex on their birth certificate for the first time as MSPs debated long into the night the Scottish government’s controversial gender recognition reforms.

The marathon session took place amid chaotic scenes at Holyrood, including disruption from the public galley, uncertainty over whether certain amendments opened the bill to legal challenge, and attempts to delay proceedings into the new year.