Scotland passes controversial legislation that makes it easier to legally change genderOpponents argue the changes fail to protect women's rights and single-sex spaces and could allow violent males to "abuse" the system - but the Scottish government says it is essential to make the process quicker and easier.Thursday 22 December 2022 16:01, UKPeople aged 16 will be able to apply to change their gender in Scotland, while the time required for someone to live in their acquired gender is to be slashed to three months after a controversial bill was passed.There were protests from the public gallery as opponents shouted "shame on you" when an amendment that would make it harder for sex offenders to apply for a GRC was voted down.MSPs backed a change on Tuesday which means anyone subject to a sexual harm prevention order or sexual offences prevention order will not be allowed to obtain a GRC.The Scottish Secretary, Alister Jack, is now able to legally challenge the law if he believes it impacts on the UK, while private groups are also able to take legal action if they wish to do so."