Scottish Government minister resigns over gender reform bill
Community safety Minister Ash Regan has resigned from her role, claiming "my conscience will not allow me to vote with the government" on stage 1 of the gender recognition reform bill.
Last updated 27th Oct 2022
The First Minister has accepted the resignation of the community safety minister Ash Regan.
The Edinburgh East MSP decided to tender her resignation saying "my conscience will not allow me to vote with the government at the Stage 1 of the Bill" in reference to the vote on the gender recognition reform bill.
Miss Regan said in a letter to Nicola Sturgeon:
"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."
MSPs are due to debate the general principles of a Bill which will make it easier for transgender people to be legally recognised as their preferred gender.
The Bill aims to speed up the time it takes to obtain a gender recognition certificate (GRC), and also lowers the age for obtaining one from 18 to 16.
In response the First Minister said:
"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.
"Thank you for your contribution to the Scottish Government."