20/01/2021
Top LGBTQ newswire Pink News is amongst those tonight reporting that the National Health Service's Tavistock and Portman Trust, which operates the Gender Identity Clinic for younger trans people, has been granted leave to appeal December's High Court ruling, which found that trans teens would need court permission to seek access to “puberty blocker” medication. As many gay and trans newswires reported at that time, the case against Tavistock and Portman Trust was brought by a small group of women who have links to strongly anti-gay and anti-transgender activist cells. The Abortion Rights network, formerly called National Abortion Campaign even noted that their activities could undermine other aspects of young people's rights, including that of young women to abortion care, as the ruling of the High Court in December went against what is known as the legal precedent of Gillick Competency. Pink News reporters observed: “The High Court’s verdict sent shockwaves through the LGBT+ community, as it meant young trans people’s access to healthcare in England and Wales was further restricted”. Trans youth support network Mermaids reported further that the appeal case will be heard by the Court of Appeal by 22nd March. The organisation also notes that claims often by anti-trans activists that puberty blockers are now outlawed are incorrect. They say “The High Court 'stayed' its decision pending appeal. This means that nothing had to be done immediately to implement the decision and the 'stay' continues until the appeal decision is handed down. We are seeing first hand the anxiety and upset the High Court's decision has caused. We are here to answer your questions as far as we can and be a voice for trans, non-binary and gender diverse young people and their families. Remember, you are valid and we will not stop speaking up for you going forward. For further information on the work of Mermaids, visit https://mermaidsuk.org.uk/.
