Meeting of the Parliament 20 December 2022
Thank you, Presiding Officer.
Earlier today, I submitted a request to you under standing orders rule 17.2, to suspend rule 9.8.4A in relation to the Gender Recognition Bill stage 3 consideration of amendments. That would result in no timetable limits to stage 3 amendments, with proceedings carrying on over multiple days if required.
The request also detailed the alternative provisions for considering stage 3, as is required by rule 17.2. Those were that every member who wishes to speak on any amendment grouping should be granted the opportunity to do so.
That request has been made necessary by the constant curtailing of scrutiny by the Scottish Government throughout the bill process, implemented through the Parliamentary Bureau and other means. I encourage members to support my motion so that the bill can receive the full scrutiny that it deserves.
I move,
That the Parliament agrees that for the purposes of consideration of the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill at stage 3, Rule 9.8.4A be suspended and that debate on each grouping of amendments continues until each Member who wishes to speak in a group has an opportunity to do so.