A controversial bill to make it easier for people to legally change gender has cleared its first hurdle at Holyrood despite a rebellion from several SNP MSPs.
A total of 88 members backed the legislation tonight, with 33 against and four abstentions. Four MSPs did not vote.
Despite the SNP instructing its MSPs to vote in favour of the stage one bill, seven chose to rebel and oppose it, while another two abstained.
Ash Regan, community safety minister, had earlier chosen to resign from the Scottish Government rather than support the legislation.
The gender reforms were previously shelved by the government in the face of opposition from some senior SNP politicians and JK Rowling. They were revived after the SNP's election win in May last year.
The Scottish Government plans will simplify and speed up the existing process by which people can obtain a gender recognition certificate - the legal recognition of a trans person's "acquired" gender.
At present, people must apply to a UK gender recognition panel and typically must present a diagnosis of gender dysphoria.
SNP and Green ministers have argued the current process is too difficult and invasive, and causes distress to an already marginalised and vulnerable minority group.
Its proposal would see applications handled by the Registrar General for Scotland, rather than the UK panel.
No diagnosis or medical reports would be required.
Maggie Chapman, Scottish Greens equalities spokeswoman, said: "This is a crucial step for equality and I am delighted that we have taken a big leap towards delivering it.
"Trans rights are human rights and I am proud that our parliament has voted to put Scotland at the forefront of equality in the UK.
"This Bill has been targeted by a disgraceful tsunami of disinformation and scaremongering, and a heart-breaking moral panic that has been manufactured and disseminated by a small but vocal number of people.
"Self-identification is a crucial reform. It is a key part of the Bute House Agreement that the Scottish Greens negotiated with the Scottish Government. But it is only one part of the change that is needed.
"Over the course of this parliamentary term we will transform the way that trans people access and experience healthcare. And we will introduce a comprehensive ban on conversion practices."
Rachael Hamilton, Scottish Conservatives equalities spokeswoman, said: "We all agree on the need to improve trans rights, but we must also protect vulnerable young people and the hard-won rights of women and girls.
"Sadly, so far this SNP-Green Government has ignored the legitimate concerns of a majority of the Scottish public, who oppose the removal of key safeguards."
To sign up to the Daily Record Politics newsletter, click here.
