Clarification on the number of genders recognised in Scotland: FOI release

Information requested

Following the Scottish Government issued guidance to statisticians collating data from the 2022 Census:

Could the Scottish Government clarify its position on the number of genders it recognises in Scotland?

Response

The Scottish Government’s position is that in law, people are either male or female.

We recognise that some people may identify differently from male or female. Scotland’s Census 2022 showed that almost half of trans people identified as non-binary.

The Scottish Government is committed to advancing equality for LGBTQI+ people, and promoting, protecting and realising the rights of every LGBTQI+ person in Scotland.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at https://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.