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UK Government Publishes Draft Guidance for Schools to Inform Parents If Child Wants to Change Gender

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – The UK’s Conservative government last week published draft guidelines indicating that schools in England should tell the parents if a child wants to change their gender identity, Politico reports.

The draft guidelines follow intense debate over the issue, with teachers currently being instructed not to inform the parents if the child asks them not to.

Published on Dec. 19, the plan calls for schools to take a “cautious approach” when dealing with a child’s request to transition, adding that educators are not under a “general duty” to comply with it, Politico reports.

In a statement, Equalities Secretary Kemi Badenoch explained: “It makes clear that schools do not have to accept a child’s request to socially transition, and that teachers or pupils should not be pressured into using different pronouns.”

Nevertheless, the proposed guidelines stop short of a complete ban on social transitioning (changing name, pronouns, and appearance): some conservative politicians claim the plan does not go far enough. Responding to the guidelines last week, former Prime Minister Liz Truss said in a statement: “During the many months we have been waiting for [the draft guidance], it has become increasingly clear that non-statutory guidance will provide insufficient protection and clarity, and that a change in the law of the land is required.”

The draft guidelines will be submitted for consultation before being formalized for implementation, Politico said.