UK Lawmakers Say Authorities 'Failing' Transgender People

LONDON -- A group of lawmakers says British authorities are failing transgender people, who suffer routine discrimination and are disproportionately likely to attempt suicide.

The House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee says health-care workers, police, prison staff and teachers all need training on transgender issues.

In a report published Thursday, the committee said gender identity should no longer be treated as a mental health issue, and official recognition of gender should be based on individual self-declaration.

It said people should be able to record their gender as "X'' rather than male or female on a passport.

The committee's chairwoman, Conservative lawmaker Maria Miller, said "Britain leads the world in recognizing lesbian, gay and bisexual rights, but despite some welcome progress, we are still failing trans people in so many ways."