One of the Scottish Greens’ most prominent MSPs has resigned abruptly from the party, citing its “intolerance” to open discussion of potential conflicts between women’s and transgender rights. Andy Wightman, the Scottish Greens’ list member for Lothian region and a highly respected campaigner for tenants’ rights and land reform, stated in his resignation letter published on Friday afternoon: “Some of the language, approaches and postures of the party and its spokespeople have been provocative, alienating and confrontational for many women and men”. With fewer than six months to go before crucial Holyrood elections in which the Greens could play a key role in a pro-independence majority, Wightman continued: “It has become evident to me that the sort of open-minded public engagement I would like to see take place on this topic is incompatible with a party that has become very censorious of any deviation from an agreed line”. It appears that a clash over policy and decision-making in the party was brought to a head by Wightman’s attempts to vote for an amendment to the forensic medical services (victims of sexual offences) (Scotland) bill last week, which legislated for the option to request an examiner of a particular sex. The amendment substituted the word “sex” for “gender”, which supporters argued resolved ambiguity but other MSPs argued was hostile towards trans women, and was passed overwhelmingly. There are not thought to be any trans women working at medical examiners in Scotland at this time. In his letter, Wightman – who joined the Scottish Greens in 2009 and entered the Holyrood parliament in 2016 – says it was “made clear” to him that if he voted for the amendment and against the group mandate, he would face “complaints and disciplinary action leading to possible suspension, deselection or expulsion”. Wightman added that he was previously admonished by colleagues following his attendance of a public meeting at Edinburgh University in June 2019, which included speakers critical of proposed reforms to transgender rights. “It has become evident to me that the sort of open-minded public engagement I would like to see take place on this topic is incompatible with a party that has become very censorious of any deviation from an agreed line.” Wightman felt there was no clear and agreed process for allowing individual MSPs to deviate from the group position, with no rules for allowing a free vote as are established in other parties. The Scottish Greens say that MSPs discuss the group position on a vote-by-vote basis and can vote differently, but may encounter complaints if they stray from party positions. Describing Wightman’s decision as “a matter of deep disappointment”, a spokesperson for the Scottish Greens said: “Land reform, empowering local democracy and community empowerment are core Green issues, and Andy’s contribution has been very important, but the Greens remain committed to carrying on this agenda without him. The Scottish Greens wish Andy well in whatever he decides to do next.”