Ban on kids changing gender in schools faces delay – sparking urgent calls from Tory MPs
A BAN on kids changing gender in school faces being delayed until after the election.
Fears are growing that Rishi Sunak will kick any new trans laws into the long grass to avoid a damaging Tory civil war.
Long-awaited guidance for teachers on how to deal with kids who want to change their gender was supposed to be published in July but was pulled at the last minute.
Draft guidance revealed by The Sun said that kids would only be allowed to change their gender at school with the permission of parents.
And they would be unable to play competitive sport.
Many transgender children choose to change their pronouns and uniforms - so-called social transitioning - but there are concerns that parents aren't being informed.
Government lawyers had warned that a full proposed block on pupils identifying as the opposite sex without the green light from parents would require fresh legislation.
It was widely mooted that this legislation would feature in the PM’s annual to-do list at November’s King’s Speech - but this is now set to be dropped.
Tory MPs are getting jittery that the changes could be pushed back as ministers look to avoid party splits ahead of the election.
Senior government sources stressed that trans guidance in some form will come before the end of next year.
They said: “We’re looking at all options to ensure we have clear and strong guidance that protects children and empowers parents and teachers. No decisions have been taken.”
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Mr Sunak is being pulled in opposite directions with some backbenchers wanting him to stop kids transitioning while others want a softer approach.
One well-place insider told The Sun that work on the trans rules - and deciding whether to legislate - has all-but stopped over the summer and is being sat on by No10.
Another said: "There's a debate about whether they want to change the law, which will take ages, or do it with guidance now - which seems to be what some in the Department for Education prefer. The King's Speech is already filling up fast."
With an election next year time is tight to ram any new laws through Parliament.
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The grassroots ConHome website reckoned backbenchers could try to hijack any legislation with amendments.
Former Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi told The Sun: "It’s really important that schools get some sensible guidance on this tricky issue - parents and teachers alike need the support.
"Social transitioning is not a neutral action, and we run a real risk to children’s health if adequate protections and support aren’t there."
Ex-schools minister Jonathan Gullis also last night urged ministers to stop dithering and give parents and teachers clarity with legislation.
The Tory MP told The Sun: “This is creating a nightmare for teachers, parents and pupils. The government has a responsibility to set out clear guidance for schools without delay."
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An Education Department spokesman said: “Given the complexity and sensitivity of the issue, we’re taking the time to make sure any guidance we provide is as clear as possible.
“We’ve been repeatedly clear about the importance of biological sex and we advise that schools and colleges proceed with caution - prioritising the safeguarding and wellbeing of all children and involving parents in decisions relating to their child.”