The GRA is a milestone piece of legislation, creating a simple and straightforward process for trans people to have our genders recognised by the Irish state, enshrining our right to privacy, and ensuring that we are able to navigate the world freely and in dignity. The GRA functions really well for those who can access it, but there are many who are locked out of gender recognition – non-binary people, young people, and Irish citizens born in Northern Ireland in particular.

In 2018 the Act was reviewed, and the review made recommendations around these three areas. These recommendations were largely accepted, shaped and made into actions by the Minister for Social Protection at the time, Regina Doherty TD, in her 2019 report on the review. These recommendations have been referenced in the DSP strategies, in the first and second National LGBTIQ+ Inclusion Strategies. They are well established within various Government commitments. And none of them have been actioned.

Our communities have been left in a legal limbo for a decade, while other countries have moved ahead. Austria, Malta, Iceland, and Germany all recognise non-binary people and intersex people. Malta and Iceland are particularly progressive, and we have a lot we can learn from our fellow island countries.

Within Europe, the courts recognise non-binary gender identity, recognise the right to legal gender recognition of trans people, and connect this right with the rights to privacy, freedom of movement, and self-determination. European policy consistently affirms the rights of intersex people, the need for recognition, and for bodily integrity. Non-binary and intersex people coming to Ireland should not have their rights and recognition under the law stripped as they cross the border.

The Non-Binary and Intersex Recognition Bill 2026 aims to bring forward the commitments around non-binary recognition, and to push for increased intersex recognition. We welcome it as a step towards that progress. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect, be recognised for who they are, and be able to move around the world safely and freely.

You can read our briefing document on the Bill here.