Transsexuals in Britain will be allowed to marry in their adoptive sex and apply for substitute birth certificates showing their new gender under proposals unveiled today.
"Our legislation will enable transsexual people confidently to take up those rights which have been denied to them in society, including the right to marry in their acquired gender," said Ms Rosie Winterton, minister for social exclusion.
Ms Winterton said draft legislation outlining the Labour government's plans would be published for debate and adoption in parliament.
The European Court of Human Rights has repeatedly condemned Britain for its violation of transsexuals' rights.
Ms Claire McNab of the transsexual rights group Press for Change called the proposals "brilliant news".
"The government's promised legislation will finally bring Britain into line with the rest of Europe and the developed world," she said. "For nearly 33 years, since a court judgment took away our rights in 1970, we have been non-people".
AFP