Schools should help kids explore their ‘gender identity’ without the consent of parents, according to new guidance endorsed by the Scottish Government.
The guidance, by LGBT Youth Scotland, also states that the “ideal scenario” for gender confused children is for parents to fully endorse their new identity.
The 54 page document, for primary and secondary schools, has been welcomed by the Scottish Government, the Children’s Commissioner and numerous local authorities.
Endorsement
As well as helping kids to explore their ‘gender identity’, schools are instructed to accommodate “trans” young people in every circumstance – even at the expense of the comfort and safety of other pupils.
It states that a child who feels “uncomfortable” about sharing facilities with a member of the opposite sex should use another private facility, or wait until “the trans young person is done”.
Referring to school trips, it adds that there is no reason for parents or carers to be informed if a pupil of the opposite sex is sharing a room with their children.
Pupils who choose to “transition” and do not wish to tell their parents should be assisted in keeping it secret.
‘Worrying’
Simon Calvert, Deputy Director for Public Affairs at The Christian Institute, expressed alarm at the scope of the guidance:
“This document tells schools that they should sideline parents whose impressionable children are considering radical, life-altering decisions.
“Cutting parents out of the picture is wrong in itself, but this is particularly worrying given the increasing number of young people who regret their decision to ‘transition’.
“Schools have a responsibility to protect all pupils in their care. Instead, this guidance undermines the privacy and safety of children.”
Disproportionate
Stephanie Davies-Arai, of the parents group Transgender Trend, also spoke out against the guidance.
She said: “Schools should be basing their policies on the needs of all children, not looking at one group at the expense of other children, particularly girls.”
The Scottish Government is consulting on changes to make it easier for people to legally ‘change sex’.
Jumping on the bandwagon
Ministers want to ‘simplify’ the process by which people can gain a Gender Recognition Certificate by scrapping current requirements for medical diagnosis and for a person to live as the opposite sex for two years.
They want to reduce the age at which a certificate can be obtained to 16, and are considering legal recognition for ‘non-binary people’ – who don’t identify as male or female.
Speaking when the consultation launched last week, Simon Calvert said: “Politicians must stop and ask themselves if jumping on this bandwagon is really helping children.”