Queensland Blocks Trans Youth Care Again, Hours After Court Defeat
The Queensland Government has reinstated a ban on public healthcare for trans young people, just hours after the state’s Supreme Court ruled the original ban unlawful.
Last week, the court sided with a mother, supported by the LGBTI Legal Service, who was fighting for her child’s right to access care. The judge ordered the government’s original ban, first imposed in January, to be set aside.
However, within six hours of the ruling, the government issued a new ministerial direction. This new order effectively reinstates the same restrictions on puberty blockers and hormone treatments.
A policy that singles out trans kids.
This move makes Queensland the only state in Australia to impose such a blanket ban on this care. The Australian Medical Association has previously made its position clear, stating that young people with gender dysphoria must have access to care within the public health system.
The ban appears to be discriminatory. Reports indicate that only trans kids are blocked from accessing these specific therapies, while other young people can still receive them for different medical reasons.
The community is pushing back again.
Queenslanders, including community groups, advocates, and legal experts, had previously rallied to support affected families. Their efforts led to the successful court challenge that briefly overturned the first ban.
Parents of trans kids react…
Following the government’s latest move, the fight has resumed. A petition is now circulating, urging the government to reverse its decision and stop politics from interfering in evidence-based healthcare. It is set to be delivered directly to the Queensland parliament.
You can add your voice by signing the petition here.
