Our statement on the announcement by the Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, to ban puberty blockers for young people indefinitely.
Earlier today, the Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, announced that the ban on puberty blockers would be made indefinite. This is a deeply concerning and regressive decision that has struck fear in so many trans people.
This decision represents a betrayal of Labour’s commitment to equality and dignity for trans people.
Wes Streeting, who won his seat in the 2024 General Election by just 528 votes, should, as a gay man, understand the harm caused by discriminatory government policies. His decision to expand the ban on puberty blockers demonstrates a shocking disregard for the needs of trans youth and their lived realities. This policy, which will cause real harm, is not leadership – it is a failure to protect those who rely on the government to safeguard their rights and dignity. Streeting’s approach undermines the trust and hope that many placed in Labour’s promise to be a government of compassion and progress.
The Labour Party promised to remove indignities for trans people and this policy does the opposite.
When the Labour Party won the General Election in July, there was no mention of puberty blockers in the manifesto. The Cass Review, which has already faced criticism, did not explicitly recommend a ban on puberty blockers. The reality is that no one voted for this measure. While we understand that governments must occasionally take decisions not outlined in their manifestos, this decision represents a betrayal of Labour’s commitment to equality and dignity for trans people.
The Labour Party pledged to remove indignities for trans people and this policy does the opposite. It undermines the healthcare needs of some of the most vulnerable people in our society – trans youth. It denies them access to treatment and exacerbates the stigma they already face.
We unequivocally condemn this decision. It is not just a failure to protect trans rights but a failure by the Labour Party to stand by its core principles of justice, equality, and compassion. We call on Wes Streeting to reverse this decision and instead focus on improving healthcare access and outcomes for trans people through informed, compassionate policies.
The trans community deserves unwavering support. They deserve better than this.
コメント