SNP MSP Ash Regan claims Nicola Sturgeon was 'well aware' of her gender recognition bill concerns

dailyrecord.co.uk:

An SNP MSP who quit the Scottish Government over its gender recognition Bill has claimed Nicola Sturgeon was "well aware" of her concerns.Ash Regan spoke out today after the First Minister previously said she had not contacted about the minister's doubts.The MSP also said the proposals would not protect women and insisted SNP MSPs should have had a free vote.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 Rowling a staunch opponent.Ahead of a vote at Holyrood last week, Regan quit as Community Safety Minister after citing “conscience” issues.The SNP whipped their MSPs on the vote and nine members of the group rebelled.In her first appearance at Holyrood since her resignation, Regan made a statement to the media about her decision:“I got into politics, a few years ago now, because I felt that we needed more female politicians in the Scottish Parliament.

I also feel, as a parliamentarian, it’s really important that I am able to speak up on issues that are crucial and important for women.“As a minster, I tried to improve the justice system for women, and that was in work such as the women’s justice leadership panel and also on developing a Scottish model for challenging demand for prostitution.She added: “And I deeply regret that I will not be able to continue in that work.

My belief, and my commitment, to building a better Scotland for all of us, but especially for women and girls, is what drives me as