Minutes: 13 December 2022

1. Subordinate legislation:

The Committee took evidence on the Legal Aid and Advice and Assistance (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2023 from—

Elena Whitham, Minister for Community Safety, Scottish Government;

Kieran Burke, Access to Justice, Scottish Government;

Emma Thomson, Solicitor, Scottish Government Legal Directorate.

2. Subordinate legislation:

Elena Whitham (Minister for Community Safety) moved—

S6M-06777—That the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee recommends that the Legal Aid and Advice and Assistance (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2023 be approved.

The motion was agreed to without division.

3. Public petitions: PE01817

The Committee considered the petition to End Conversion Therapy and took evidence from—

Nick Bland, Chair, Dr Rebecca Crowther, Dr Paul Behrens and Richy Edwards, Independent Expert Advisory Group on Ending Conversion Practices.

The Committee agreed to close the petition under rule 15.7 of Standing Orders on the basis that the Scottish Government has committed to bring forward legislation on this matter.

4. Public petitions: PE01787

The Committee considered a petition on the use of Makaton sign language in the legal system and took evidence from—

Sandra Docherty, Petitioner;

     David Bain.

The Committee agreed to keep the petition open and to write to the Scottish Government.