AN SNP MP is calling on politicians of all parties to get behind transgender equality reforms.

Mhairi Black used a House of Commons debate to urge fellow MPs to make it simpler and less intrusive for trans people to access their human right to gender recognition.

The Paisley and Renfrewshire South MP said such recognition is “as fundamental to trans equality as equal marriage was to lesbian and gay equality”.

The debate was held to help mark International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia.

Black pointed to the prejudice, discrimination and barriers that trans people continue to face in the law and society. She also urged the UK Government to match the SNP’s commitment to transgender equality by reforming gender recognition law in England and Wales.

“Transgender people continue to face appalling levels of prejudice and discrimination, and unacceptable barriers to living their lives,” said Black.

“I’m proud the SNP Government is committed to improving LGBTI equality by reforming gender recognition law, in line with international best practice, so that all trans and non-binary people can access their human right to legal gender recognition.

“The reforms to the Gender Recognition Act are as fundamental to trans equality as equal marriage was to lesbian and gay rights – simply put, without these reforms there is no equality.

“Politicians of all parties should get behind these reforms, which will improve the lives of trans and non-binary people, and help Scotland remain a world-leader on LGBTI equality.”