“The UK Government’s draft trans guidance for schools does not put the best interests of children first, and as such is simply not fit for purpose”
BY CAMILLE BAVERA, IMAGE BY PEXELS
The UK government has published the highly anticipated guidance regarding trans kids and teens’ acceptance in the school system and has since received a lot of mixed feedback.
The guidance takes a very conservative approach to trans rights, and their latest stance will see great caution when it comes to identifying and accommodating children and young people who are questioning their identity, especially those under the age of 11.
According to the government, parents are at the heart of this agreement, and family life is taken into account. Before any decisions are made regarding a child’s decision to transition, there will be “watchful waiting periods” and schools will have to ensure that parents are fully consulted before any decision is taken.
However, following the publication, Kemi Badenoch – the Minister For Women And Equalities – stated that “schools do not have to accept a child’s request to socially transition”.
This new guidance has asked schools to treat any students’ questions about gender “sensitively, without implying contested views around gender identity are fact”.
This trial guidance has taken four years to publish, and during that time, the world has continued to evolve, with more LGBTQIA activist groups than before.
Stonewall, a charity and LGBTQIA activist group, have announced that they will continue to protest the new legislation in an attempt to keep it from becoming a statute. A Stonewall spokesperson noted how children’s best interests should be prioritised, but instead are being effectively pushed under the rug.
“The UK Government’s draft trans guidance for schools does not put the best interests of children first, and as such is simply not fit for purpose.”
They also noted that by not giving trans-identifying children due treatment, such as separate facilities, and full access to playing sports, they are opening up greater possibilities of bullying and harassment from peers.
“It flies in the face of the UN Convention Rights of the Child and the Equality Act 2010, suggesting that trans children are not worthy of respect or protection from harassment, and as such treats them as an inherent risk to other children and as a threat that is to be contained.”
GalopUK have also rallied against the new guidance, and urged legislators to “recognize the likelihood of harm they could cause, and ensure the final version of the guidance prioritises the safety of children and young people.”
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