The UK Government has announced it will block controversial gender recognition reforms in Scotland despite the legislation being backed by MSPs.
In a major intervention, Alister Jack confirmed that Tory ministers had received legal advice which ruled the Holyrood bill would impact on UK-wide equalities laws.
It is the first time the UK Government has used a Section 35 order to strike down an act of the Scottish Parliament since the devolution era began in 1999.
The Scottish Government is expected to demand a judicial review of the decision.
Nicola Sturgeon today warned it would be an "outrage" if Westminster scrapped legislation backed by parties across Holyrood.
Jack said: "I have decided to make an order under section 35 of the Scotland Act 1998, preventing the Scottish Parliament’s Gender Recognition Reform Bill from proceeding to Royal Assent.
"After thorough and careful consideration of all the relevant advice and the policy implications, I am concerned that this legislation would have an adverse impact on the operation of Great Britain-wide equalities legislation.
"Transgender people who are going through the process to change their legal sex deserve our respect, support and understanding. My decision today is about the legislation’s consequences for the operation of GB-wide equalities protections and other reserved matters.
"I have not taken this decision lightly. The Bill would have a significant impact on, amongst other things, GB-wide equalities matters in Scotland, England and Wales. I have concluded, therefore, that this is the necessary and correct course of action.
"If the Scottish Government chooses to bring an amended Bill back for reconsideration in the Scottish Parliament, I hope we can work together to find a constructive way forward that both respects devolution and the operation of UK Parliament legislation.
"I have written today to the First Minister and the Scottish Parliament’s Presiding Officer informing them of my decision."
Maggie Chapman, equalities spokeswoman for the Scottish Greens, said her party would "resist" the decision "every step of the way"
'This is a dark day for our devolution settlement, for democracy, and for trans rights.
"It sets a very alarming new precedent that should concern everyone who believes in devolution and wants the Scottish Parliament to exist.
"Only one month ago, MSPs voted overwhelmingly for Gender Recognition Reform. It was a proud day for equality, and for our Parliament.
"To see a reactionary Tory government trying to block or overturn it is nothing short of outrageous, and we will resist them every step of the way."
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