Our politicians can't say they didn't know.
The newly elected UK Labour Party’s decision to pursue a permanent ban on puberty blockers for under-18s is a landmark move that prioritises the safety and well-being of children over LGBTIQA+ agendas.
This decision, spearheaded by Health Secretary Wes Streeting, aligns with the evidence-based findings of Dr Hilary Cass’s review, which highlighted the lack of evidence about the benefits of these powerful drugs on young people.
In Australia, we must not ignore these crucial developments. There are no excuses for our politicians.
If the UK Labour Party can take decisive action to protect children, why can’t Australian politicians?
They too should act decisively to protect children from the irreversible harm of puberty blockers and other unproven treatments.
The UK’s example provides a clear roadmap for our own policies: prioritise the safety and well-being of children, ensure all medical practices are evidence-based, and regulate the private sector to prevent exploitation.
Dr Cass, a renowned paediatrician, has warned that puberty blockers may permanently disrupt brain maturation and potentially rewire neural circuits in ways that cannot be reversed. Her review emphasised the need to give children "time to think" before embarking on an irreversible path, noting that many people change their minds about their gender identity up until the age of 25.
The NHS has already responded by halting the prescription of these drugs to under-18s, a move now being reinforced by Labour’s proposed permanent ban.
Mr Streeting’s commitment to child safety is evident in his statement: “Our approach will continue to be informed by Dr Cass’s review, which found there was insufficient evidence to show puberty blockers were safe for under-18s. This ban brings the private sector in line with the NHS. We are committed to providing young people with the evidence-led care that they deserve.”
This stance is a significant step forward in protecting vulnerable children from potentially harmful and life-altering medical interventions.
Helen Joyce, director of advocacy for the human rights charity Sex Matters, aptly described the Labour Party’s decision as “an excellent sign that Labour intends to take an evidence-based approach to child gender medicine, and to prioritise child safeguarding.”
She also stressed the need to address the unregulated sale of powerful hormones by private clinics, which continue to exploit desperate teenagers and young adults misled by trans lobbyists.
At Family First, we urge Australian lawmakers to follow the UK’s lead. The evidence is clear, and the risks are too great to ignore. Our children deserve the utmost care and protection, and it is our responsibility to provide them with a safe and healthy future.
ACTION: Join the fight for a better future for our kids. Join the Family First Party today.