An SNP Minister has quit over Government plans to make it easier for people to change their legally-recognised gender.
Ash Regan resigned as Nicola Sturgeon’s Community Safety Minister after saying her "conscience" could not allow her to vote for the proposals today.
The Bill aims to speed up the time it takes to obtain a gender recognition certificate (GRC) and lowers the age for obtaining one from 18 to 16.
Ministers also want to drop the requirement for a medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria and the need for a doctor’s report.
But critics have panned the proposals as a threat to women’s sex-based rights, with Harry Potter author J.K Rowing a staunch opponent.
The SNP decided to whip their MSPs ahead of a vote on the issue this afternoon, a decision which has left no room for dissent.
With Regan a Minister, and collective responsibility applying, her inability to support the Bill has led to her quitting.
It is understood she was not present at First Minister’s Questions at Holyrood.
In her resignation letter, she wrote: "I have considered the issue of Gender Recognition Reform very carefully over some time.
"I have concluded that my conscience will not allow me to vote with the government at the Stage 1 of the Bill this afternoon.
"Consequently, I am writing to resign my position in the Scottish Government as Minister for Community Safety.
I have greatly valued the opportunity over the last few years to work in Government with colleagues to build a better Scotland. "
The First Minister responded: "As you are aware, a key requirement of the Ministerial Code is collective responsibility - a principle essential to effective governance, and which applies across all matters of government policy irrespective of the issue.
"I note that at no stage have you approached me - or indeed the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice - to raise your concerns about the Gender Recognition Reform Bill or the vote this evening.
"However, in circumstances in which a Minister is unable to support the government, it is the case that the only options available are resignation ahead of the vote or dismissal thereafter.
"I therefore accept your resignation."
She signalled her unease about the plans in 2019 when she put her name to a letter urging the Government not to “rush” into legislation.
Regan has been Community Safety Minister since 2018 and MSP for Edinburgh Eastern for six years.
She worked for the left-wing Common Weal campaign group before her election.
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