Due to technical issues we were unable to livestream today’s procedural hearing for the Petition of the Scottish Ministers for Judicial Review of the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill (Prohibition on Submission for Royal Assent) Order 2023.  It was continued until 19 September for the substantive hearing. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and are working to resolve any issues for future hearings.  

A summary of today’s hearing.

In a hearing, which lasted 20 minutes,  the court allowed adjustments to the Answers for the respondent to be received late. The adjusted petition and adjusted answers are now to be treated as the final documents setting out the parties respective cases.  

Parties to lodge a joint core bundle of authorities by 11 September 2023 consisting of a maximum of 20 authorities; a reserve list may be lodged by parties if required.

It was agreed that the petitioner will speak on day one (19^th) and finish submissions by day two (20^th) by 12:30pm. The remainder of day two and day three (21^st) has been allocated to the respondent.  

Both parties have confirmed that they are ready to proceed to the substantive hearing on 19 September at 10.00am within Court 1. The hearing will be livestreamed.