The Seanad has started debating the Gender Recognition Bill which will allow someone to have the gender on their birth certificate changed on foot of a medical report.

The Bill is being labeled as a step forward, and will mean the State will officially recognise people "as being of the preferred gender" when they are issued with a gender recognition certificate.

However some aspects still present difficulties for those looking to get recognition as their preferred gender identity.

There are concerns for the requirement of a medical report in order to have the gender on their birth certificate changed.

Senator Katherine Zappone says that there are objections to the provision of a medical assessment:

There may be an issue in the new laws for transgender people who are married and wish to remain so.

Tánaiste Joan Burton says that could be addressed if the people decide to vote for same sex marriage in May's referendum:

Last month, Amnesty International called for a reform of the Bill.

Colm O'Gorman, Executive Director of Amnesty International Ireland, said “rather than making it as easy as possible for all transgender people to obtain legal recognition of their identity, there are several groups that will be short-changed by the bill – in particular those who are married or in civil partnerships, minors, and those who do not wish to undergo medical treatment.”

On the subject of potential difficulties for people who are already married, Mr O'Gorman said “the Bill cruelly forces transgender people to separate from their loved one – and then spend years in limbo without either a partner or the legal recognition of their identity. Their only alternative being to sacrifice their gender identity in order to stay together.”

Originally posted at 8.14am