Overview

This bill aims to restrict access to hormone therapy for children under 18 experiencing gender dysphoria, limit how schools and other public bodies acknowledge children's gender identities if different from their assigned sex at birth, and redefine "sex" in the Equality Act 2010.

Description

The bill makes several key changes:

Restricting Hormone Therapy

It criminalizes healthcare professionals prescribing, administering, or supplying puberty blockers or hormones to children for gender dysphoria, unless treatment began before the bill's enactment or specific exceptional clinical circumstances apply. The definition of "sex" in this context is based on biological sex registered at birth.

Restricting Social Transition in Schools

It prohibits public authorities (like schools) from recognizing or enabling the recognition of children's gender identities that differ from their sex registered at birth. This includes using pronouns or providing services inconsistent with their assigned sex. The Secretary of State can issue directions to enforce this.

Redefining "Sex" in the Equality Act

The bill amends the Equality Act 2010 to define "sex" based on biological sex assigned at birth (chromosomes, hormones, and genitalia), impacting how "man" and "woman" are understood in legal contexts.

Government Spending

The bill's financial impact is not explicitly stated in the provided text. However, it could lead to increased legal costs for the government in defending challenges to the bill and potential compensation claims. Additionally, there may be costs associated with enforcing compliance with the new restrictions on public authorities.

Groups Affected

• Children and young people under 18 experiencing gender dysphoria: Limited access to hormone therapy; restrictions on social affirmation of their gender identity.
• Healthcare professionals: Risk of criminal prosecution for providing certain types of treatment for gender dysphoria.
• Schools and other public authorities: New legal obligations and potential penalties for non-compliance regarding the recognition of children's gender identities.
• LGBTQ+ organizations and advocates: Likely to oppose the bill, potentially leading to legal challenges and activism.
• Parents and families of transgender or gender non-conforming children: May face challenges in supporting their children's gender identity.

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