SNP minister resigns over gender recognition plans

An SNP minister has resigned over Scottish government plans to make it easier for someone to change their legally-recognised gender.

Ash Regan quit as community safety minister, saying her conscience would not allow her to support the plans.

Her resignation came ahead of the proposed changes to the Gender Recognition Act facing their first vote at Holyrood.

SNP MSPs had been instructed by the party to support the proposals.

The bill aims to speed up the time it takes to obtain a gender recognition certificate (GRC) and drops the requirement for a medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria.

It also lowers the age for obtaining a GRC from 18 to 16.

The Scottish government argues the change would make the process simpler and less traumatic, but the proposals are controversial with some arguing it would undermine women's rights and safety.

Ms Regan was one of 15 senior SNP politicians - including current finance secretary Kate Forbes and business minister Ivan McKee - who signed a letter in 2019 urging the Scottish government not to "rush" into "changing the definition of male and female".

In her resignation letter, Ms Regan said: "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.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she accepted the resignation, but noted that Ms Regan had not previously raised concerns.

She said: "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."