Dr Hilary Cass today (Wednesday, April 10) published her review into the care of gender-questioning children in England and Wales, which has called for gender services to operate ‘to the same standards’ as other health services for children and young people, with ‘a holistic assessment’ of people referred.
In response to the “sensationalised” coverage surrounding the independent review of gender identity services for children and young people by Dr Cass, Amnesty International UK and Liberty, said: “All children have the right to access specialist effective care on time and must be afforded the privacy to make decisions that are appropriate for them in consultation with a specialist.
“This review is being weaponised by people who revel in spreading disinformation and myths about healthcare for trans young people.
“It’s concerning that sections of the media and many politicians continue to spread moral panic with no regard for the possible consequences for trans people and their families.
“The negative rhetoric by the Government about the dangers of so-called gender ideology, healthcare for young trans people, as well as the push against LGBT-inclusive sex and relationship education is harmful and extremely damaging. It is no different from the ultra-conservative and evangelical groups pushing for discriminatory laws targeting trans people in the United States.
“Scapegoating trans people is harmful and dangerous. The Government should protect everyone’s human rights rather than exploit the diverse experiences of trans people to score points.”
Dr Cass’s report also warned a ‘more cautious approach’ must be taken for children than for adolescents when it comes to social transitioning. When families are making decisions about social transitioning, it is important ‘parents are not unconsciously influencing the child’s gender expression’, the review said.