The Scottish Government could soon send parents behind bars who refuse to allow their minor children to change their gender, even if they prohibit the child from acting as the opposite sex.
According to plans proposed by the Scottish government, parents in Scotland could soon be sentenced to seven years in prison if they refuse to change the gender of their children, v4na.com reported .
On Tuesday, a public consultation was launched on legislation aimed at ending gender reassignment practices, both in terms of sexual orientation and gender identity. This includes broad measures to criminalize parents who refuse to comply with their children's wishes not only to undergo gender transition, but also to identify as a different gender - for example, by dressing as the opposite sex.
A consultation proposed by Equalities Minister Emma Roddick would make it a criminal offense for "coercive" behavior by parents who do not consent to gender reassignment. What constitutes such coercion is defined broadly by the plans and ranges from violent, threatening or intimidating behavior towards the victim to controlling the victim's daily activities.
The draft legislation includes a defense option. If a parent can prove that there was a reasonable reason to prohibit their child from changing gender or engaging in behavior suggestive of gender change, they can avoid prison.
Opponents of the draft argue that the proposals would have a devastating impact on freedom of expression, privacy and family life in Scotland.
"We are deeply concerned that these plans criminalize loving parents who face years in prison simply because they refuse to subscribe to the cult of gender ideology."
said Marion Calder, director of campaign group For Women Scotland. He added that such laws give activists and social workers unprecedented power to interfere in family life, while having a chilling effect on therapists and counselors.
Green Party politician Maggie Chapman refers to the fact that a parent does not allow their minor child to behave, dress, or even to actually change their gender as a form of violence.
Cover image: Alexander Gray / Pixabay
