A LARGS councillor has slammed passing of the 'historic' Gender Recognition Reform bill.

The legislation will allow trans people aged 16 and above to obtain a Gender Recognition Certificate by a process of self-declaration, removing the requirement for a medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria.

But Conservative councillor Tom Marshall told the News that he believes 16 and 17-year-olds should have been exempt from the legislation - and emailed MSPs to express his concerns before the vote last week.

He said: "A young person aged 15 and a half can start to live in his or her acquired gender six months before they turn 16, and there are difficulties which could then arise for young people and also for classroom teachers as they face a difficult situation with young people.

"There is also the possibility of sex offenders who are undergoing the criminal process being able to change their gender midway and then be put into a female as opposed to a male prison.

"There was a Times newspaper poll which stated that 68 per cent of people were against the whole proposal.

"I am also concerned that Labour and SNP had to put a whip on the situation for people vote for the Bill or be liable to be disciplined.

"I am grateful for SNP MSP Kenneth Gibson who voted against the proposals.

"I am disappointed that Largs MSP Jamie Greene didn't see fit to oppose the new legislation."

The Bill was a key part of the Bute House Agreement struck between the Scottish Green Party and Scottish Government last year.

Local Green list MSP Ross Greer, however welcomed the 'historic' change.

He told the News: “I am delighted we’ve finally passed this legislation, despite shocking abuses of process by the Conservatives which saw Parliament sitting until after midnight for two days in a row. This is a small but significant change that will make a big difference to trans people in North Ayrshire and beyond, giving them the dignity they deserve in their official documents.

“Trans rights are human rights and I am proud that our Parliament has voted overwhelmingly to bring us in line with best international practice for improving the lives of our trans siblings.

“This crucial bill was a key part of the Bute House Agreement that we negotiated with the Scottish Government, and I am proud of the crucial role that Greens played in delivering it.

“The debate brought out the best and worst of our Parliament.

"The future I want is one where everyone can live, love and thrive as the people that they really are and have always been.

"This vote takes us a step closer to that day."

The new law prompted rebellions across the chamber, with nine SNP MSPs voting against, including Cunninghame North's Mr Gibson, while Mr Greene voted for the reforms.