Equal Treatment for LGBT+ Families Registering Birth of Children at Scottish Registrars

Currently, the registrar uses homophobic and transphobic language when speaking with LGBT families who are registering the birth of their child. For example, they ask two mother families "which one is the mother?" This reflects the reality that currently, legally, there are two categories for parents on birth certificates: "mother" and "father/parent".

Two things must be changed.

Firstly, when speaking with LGBT families, local council registrars must receive clear guidance on how to speak to LGBT families in an inclusive way despite current legal terminology. This is outlined in a letter which can be accessed at the link below.

Secondly, the process must be started to change the terms on the birth certificate to "mother/gestational parent" and "father/non gestational parent" so that every kind of family and identity is included.

A letter has been sent to Rod Burns, deputy registrar General. I have made clear that the preliminary names gathered as signatories to the letter were gathered in a single day and that I would gather more names over time with a formal petition, which I am asking you to sign. A link to this letter can be found here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/18UzaK-9CxIzhbJ_9Hg53Q8j8wREzzPHVG_tHtzLXVk4/edit