An SNP councillor has quit the party over its stance on gender reforms as the civil war within the nationalist movement gets deeper.
Diane Docherty, who represents Clydebank Central, will now sit as an independent on West Dunbartonshire Council as she opposes the party's controversial legislation.
In a further twist, she is the sister of former SNP Westminster chief whip Martin Docherty-Hughes who quit his front-bench role after just six weeks on Tuesday.
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His resignation comes amid a turbulent time within the nationalist group in London. A number of MPs are also said to be against the bill, including Joanna Cherry and Angus MacNeil.
Mr Docherty-Hughes claimed he quit due to personal reasons but one SNP source claimed it was to do with the group's position on gender reform.
The Clydebank Post reported that Ms Docherty had quit the SNP due to issues with the Gender Recognition Reform Bill which was passed by the Scottish Parliament in December.
However, it has been blocked by Westminster which is using a Section 35 order to stop it from getting Royal Assent. Scotland Secretary Alister Jack claims that is because it affects a reserved matter, the UK-wide Equality Act.
The bill allows trans people to legally change their gender if they live that way for a minimum of three months and without the need of a medical certificate. Sixteen-year-olds will also be allowed to do this if they live as another gender for six months.
Concerns have been raised that this would make Scotland a "Gretna Green" for those living elsewhere in the UK to come and change their gender.
Women's groups also fear that formerly safe female-only spaces like changing rooms and bathrooms could be invaded by predatory men who self-identify.
Ms Docherty was first elected to council in 2016 and re-elected last May.
Her brother has previously spoken out in favour of the gender reforms and claimed that this had nothing to do with his resignation from the SNP front-bench.
He said: “I fully support the decision of the Scottish Parliament to agree the GRR Bill and will be opposing any attempt by the UK Government to undermine the legitimate democratic mandate of the Parliament of Scotland if it should seek to block the Bill via the House of Commons.”
SNP group leader in West Dunbartonshire, Karen Conaghan, said “The subject has been an emotive one, and whilst we disagree with her position, we respect Diane’s right to her own views on this. Given her long-term commitment to the party, we are all disappointed that she’s chosen to leave the SNP over this issue.”
It is not the first time the group has been rocked by a shock resignation due to the polarising topic. Former council depute leader Caroline McAllister quit to join the Alba Party and cited "women's rights" as a core reason.
The SNP group in Holyrood has been split by the legislation as well. Eight rebelled against the government to vote against it in December, with Ash Regan quitting her ministerial role
Cllr Docherty has been approached for comment.
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