New laws which recognise the acquired gender of transgender people are moving a step closer.

But there are calls for changes to the Gender Recognition Bill. It is being debated in the Seanad today.

The Bill says applicants for acquired gender must be single. It also rules out those under 16.

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.

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

Broden Giambrone is chief executive of the Transgender Equality Network.

He says some of the wording is too narrow.