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The Queensland government disclosed confidential details about the parent of a trans teenager – information she claims potentially “outed” her teen – to a unknown individual.

Accusations of “Intimidation” and “Privacy Violation”

The revelation came as the government was charged of “intimidation” and “an invasion of privacy” after requesting private medical information from guardians of trans youth who are considering a further legal challenge to its controversial prohibition on puberty blockers.

Recent Official Directive on Hormone Treatments

Last month, the Queensland health minister, Tim Nicholls, issued a new order banning the use of puberty blockers for trans individuals, just hours after the state’s supreme court determined the government’s first attempt was unlawful.

Media has interviewed four mothers who have contacted Nicholls for a legal document called a statement of reasons – a detailed account of why the government made a decision to prohibit hormone treatments in the region. By law, the document must be provided under the legal statute.

Requested Medical Details

All four were asked by the Queensland health department for particulars of their child’s medical history, including the minor’s identity, their birthdate and any other evidence which confirms your teen having a medical confirmation of gender dysphoria”.

The information were sought before the statement of reasons would be released.

The message, which has been reviewed by the media, also asked them to verify if your teen is a patient of the youth gender service so that we can verify the information submitted with the health service,” states the email, which was dispatched last Friday.

Parents Label Request as Invasion of Privacy

Each parent characterized the demand as an invasion of privacy.

One parent said she was reluctant to share the information because the authorities had accidentally sent her information to a different parent.

“It seems like having to ‘out’ your teen to actually get a response; like, it’s terrifying,” she said.

Case of the Mother

Louise*, who must remain anonymous because it would also identify or expose her teen, was among those who requested a statement of reasons on multiple occasions.

In May, the department sent a reply intended for her to another parent, revealing her identity and location – and the fact that she had a transgender child – to a third party. She said a government employee later apologised by telephone; the media has seen an email from the department confirming the mistake.

She said she felt “ill and vulnerable” as a consequence of the error.

“My daughter is incredibly private. She is immensely fearful of being exposed in any social setting. She doesn’t like anyone to know that she’s trans,” the mother said.

“I respect that to my core as much as possible. The sole occasion I ever, ever share is out of need for gaining access to supports and exclusively to people I consider incredibly safe and I know well.”

The parent was particularly concerned about the suggestion it would be “confirmed” by the hospital.

She said the request was “intimidating” and “feels threatening”.

Additional Mother Expresses Worries

Another mother said she was not comfortable revealing the health background of her seven-year-old non-binary child.

“It’s not my data, it’s a seven-year-old’s information,” she said.

“To think that that data could accidentally be disclosed one day, in any manner, you know, although that was accidental, could be deeply, deeply distressing to them.”

She responded saying the department had asked for an “excessive level of detail”.

“I would not share that information to another entity that requested it, especially in the context of the present environment,” she said.

“It’s such intensely private stuff. You wouldn’t disclose, for example, your medical condition to the government office, you know. You’d be hesitant and careful to submit any of that information to a group of officials, basically.”

Legal Service Weighing Further Action

The advocacy organization, which assisted the parent in her challenge, was evaluating a new legal action, it said last week.

The head, Ren Shike, said the ruling had affected about 500 Queensland children and their relatives and it was crucial to efficiently facilitate the supply of explanations so that minors and their guardians can comprehend the logic behind this ruling, which has had such a devastating impact on their access to healthcare”.

Authorities Position on Ban

The government has repeatedly said the prohibition would stay enforced until a examination into gender-affirming care had been completed.