Heartbreak for Young Trans Queenslanders as LNP Government Extends Puberty Blocker Ban Until 2031
- Queensland Health Minister Tim Nicholls announces the ban will continue until the UK’s National Health Service trial is completed in 2031
- Independent review finds “extremely limited” evidence supporting the use of puberty blockers and hormones in adolescents with gender dysphoria
- Critics slam the decision as “ideological” and “gut-wrenching” for young trans Queenslanders and their families
In a devastating blow to young trans Queenslanders, the LNP government has announced it will continue its ban on puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones for new adolescent trans patients in the public system until at least 2031.
Health Minister Tim Nicholls made the announcement at a press conference, citing the findings of an independent review into the evidence surrounding the treatments. The review, led by Victoria’s former chief psychiatrist Professor Ruth Vine, found the evidence base underlying the use of puberty blockers and hormones in adolescents with gender dysphoria was “extremely limited”.
“Some people will disagree with the government’s decision,” Mr Nicholls said. “We understand that. This is a hotly contested area.” But critics argue the decision is not based on medical evidence, but rather ideology.
Opposition Treasurer Shannon Fentiman described the decision as “a pretty gut-wrenching day for young trans Queenslanders and their families”. She questioned Mr Nicholls’ decision to release and act on the Vine review just before Christmas, and before journalists had a chance to read the report.
“This is an ideological decision from the LNP government, and this should be about healthcare,” Ms Fentiman said. “This should be a decision that families make with their doctor.”
Parents of Trans Kids Speak Out, a grassroots advocacy group, said members were “heartbroken” the ban on gender-affirming care had been extended to 2031. “As this ‘pause’ continues over the next five or six years, hundreds or potentially thousands of Queensland families will be forced into financial distress or the alternative — watch their kid’s continued suffering — all because of the Crisafulli government’s decision,” the group said in a statement.
The group also questioned Mr Nicholls’ assertion that all children with gender dysphoria would “continue to have access to … mental health and wellbeing support”. They claim the Queensland Children’s Gender Service does not have the resources to meet demand for such support.