A report said that the characterization and reporting of transsexual people had not changed in a significant way since newspapers first became fascinated by so-called 'sex changes' in the 1950 s.
Source: Christine Burns, Transsexual People and the Press, Press For Change (01274 831609)
Links: Report (pdf)
Date: 2004-Nov
There was no conclusive evidence that sex change operations improved the lives of transsexuals, with many people remaining severely distressed and even suicidal after the operation, according to a medical review conducted for the Guardian newspaper.
Source: The Guardian, 30 July 2004
Links: Guardian report | Summary
Date: 2004-Jul
The Gender Recognition Act 2004 received Royal assent. The Act enabled transsexual people who had taken decisive steps to live fully and permanently in their acquired gender to apply for legal recognition of that gender.
Source: Gender Recognition Act 2004, TSO (0870 600 5522)
Links: Text of Act | Explanatory notes | DCA press release
Date: 2004-Jul
A paper reviewed the issue of definitions used to describe lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people, and reviewed recent research in Northern Ireland on sexual orientation issues.
Source: Esther Breitenbach, Researching Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues in Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland Executive (028 9052 0500)
Links: Report (pdf)
Date: 2004-May
The Gender Recognition Bill was given a third reading. The Bill would give transsexual people legal recognition in their acquired gender.
Source: Gender Recognition Bill [HL], Department for Constitutional Affairs, TSO (0870 600 5522) | House of Commons Hansard, Debate 25 May 2004, columns 1445-1540, TSO
Links: Text of Bill | Explanatory notes | Hansard
Date: 2004-May
A Christian organisation said it had received legal advice that religious liberty would be threatened by the Gender Recognition Bill (which would give transsexual people legal recognition in their acquired gender), by taking away the right of churches to discriminate against transsexual people.
Source: Press release 26 March 2004, Christian Institute (0191 281 5664)
Links: Christian Institute press release | Text of legal opinion (pdf) | Church Society press release (pdf)
Date: 2004-Mar
The Gender Recognition Bill was given a second reading. The Bill would give transsexual people legal recognition in their acquired gender.
Source: Gender Recognition Bill [HL], Department for Constitutional Affairs, TSO (0870 600 5522) | House of Commons Hansard, Debate 23 February 2004, columns 48-105, TSO
Links: Text of Bill | Explanatory notes | Hansard | HOC research briefing (pdf)
Date: 2004-Feb