July 29th 2024.
A group of activists advocating for trans rights gathered in London on April 20, 2024 to protest against the ban on hormone blockers. This ban, which was implemented by the Tory government through emergency legislation, was recently deemed lawful by a High Court ruling.
The decision to impose a ban on puberty blockers, a treatment that suppresses the production of sex hormones to delay puberty, was made by former health secretary Victoria Atkins. This decision was challenged by the campaign group TransActual and a young person, whose name cannot be disclosed.
However, the challenge was dismissed by Mrs Justice Lang at the High Court, who stated that the decision involved a complex assessment that should not be interfered with by the court. In her ruling, she referenced the Cass Review by Dr. Hilary Cass, published in April, which highlighted the lack of evidence in the field of gender care and the impact of societal discourse on young people.
On the other hand, Jason Coppel KC, who represented the campaign group and the young person, argued that Ms. Atkins had based her decision on her personal views instead of evidence. He also pointed out that there was no submission outlining her reasoning for categorizing puberty blockers as a "serious danger to health," the standard required for emergency legislation.
While the findings of the Cass Review have been criticized by Trans rights campaigners, Mrs. Justice Lang stated that they provided strong scientific evidence for restricting the supply of puberty blockers due to their potential harm. The legislation, which restricts NHS provision to within clinical trials, was brought in as an emergency by the Tories but could become permanent under the new health secretary, Wes Streeting.
There are concerns about whether Mr. Streeting, who has expressed caution in his approach and received criticism from within his own party, will introduce an indefinite ban. He has stated the importance of evidence-based healthcare for children and is working with NHS England to improve gender identity services and establish a clinical trial for puberty blockers.
In his statement following the ruling, Mr. Streeting emphasized the need for trans people to feel safe and accepted, and to live with freedom and dignity. For the latest news updates from London, visit The Agency's London news hub and follow them on social media. You can also receive daily push alerts by signing up on their website.
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