A 13-year-old girl has launched a legal challenge against Oxfordshire County Council over its controversial guidance for schools concerning transgender pupils.
The ‘Trans Inclusion Toolkit for Schools 2019’, was implemented by Oxfordshire County Council last year.
It says boys who claim to be girls should be allowed to share female toilets, changing rooms and overnight accommodation on school trips.
’Powerless’
The teenager, known as Miss A, said: “Under these guidelines I have no right to privacy from the opposite sex in changing rooms, loos or on residential trips”.
She commented: “The guidance makes me feel that my desire for privacy, dignity, safety, and respect is wrong.
“The guidance makes me feel that my desire for privacy, dignity, safety, and respect is wrong”.
“It makes me feel sad, powerless and confused.”
Misrepresentation
Safe Schools Alliance, which is supporting Miss A’s case, said the guidance would allow male pupils to access all-female spaces “without parents’ knowledge or permission”.
Paul Conrathe, Human Rights Solicitor from Sinclairlaw, said it “misrepresents the law and exposes children and young people to the potential of harm”.
Local mother Victoria Edwards, said it “encourages parental alienation and suggests that any parent who doesn’t affirm their child’s chosen gender identity may be a safeguarding risk and causing harm to their child”.
Brave
The Christian Institute’s Education Officer John Denning said: “Miss A is not alone. At just 13, she is bravely speaking out for many girls all over the UK who feel they can’t use gender neutral toilets at school.
“They fear being labelled ‘intolerant’ if they express concerns about sharing sleeping accommodation with biological boys.
“No child should be put in this position: schools and local authorities must put safeguarding first and properly recognise the rights of all children.
“They must ensure parents are properly informed so they can guard their children’s rights.”