NORTHERN Ireland trans rights consultant Ellen Murray has become the third member of the UK government's LGBT+ Advisory Panel to resign.
The first to quit the unit was Jayne Ozanne, who said on Wednesday she had been "increasingly concerned about what is seen to be a hostile environment for LGBT people among this administration".
"Over the years which the advisory panel has met, we've seen an increasing lack of engagement and the actions of ministers have frankly been against our advice."
She was followed a short time later by James Morton, who said he was doing so in light of the government's response to the first resignation and the issues raised by his colleague.
Ellen Murray yesterday announced on Twitter: "I've resigned my seat on the UK LGBT Advisory Panel due to the government's persistent and worsening hostility towards our community in myriad areas.
"From conversion therapy to trans healthcare to the shameful treatment of LGBT refugees, the (government) has acted in appalling faith.
"... Also can I just say how absolutely bizarre it is in the past couple of years that the between the UK and NI governments, it's the Northern Ireland one I look to as better on LGBT rights issues?"
A key area of contention is the government's failure - despite pledges from both Theresa May and Boris Johnson - to ban conversion therapy, which attempts to change or suppress someone's sexuality or gender identity.
A parliamentary debate on Monday sparked controversy after Equalities Minister Kemi Badenoch told MPs she wanted to "end" conversion therapy, but repeatedly avoided using the word "ban".
Some Christian groups and Conservative MPs have lobbied the government to make allowances for religious freedoms, but campaigners insist only a complete ban is acceptable.
Proposals on conversion therapy are expected within weeks.
A government spokeswoman has said it is "committed to building a country in which everyone, no matter their sexuality, race or religion, is free to live their lives as they choose".
