Sunak may drop plans to ban kids from changing gender at school

Rishi Sunak is believed to have shied away from passing laws against children undergoing social transition at school. Credit: Juanje Garrido/Shutterstock

Rishi Sunak is considering scrapping plans to ban children from changing gender in schools, The Telegraph understands.

The PM vowed to take action to contain the so-called social transition when children, those claiming to be transgender demand to be referred to them. use a different pronoun and wear the uniform of the opposite sex.

Attorney General Victoria Prentice told the prime minister in July that a law was needed to ban social transitions because otherwise it could be contrary to the Equality Act.

But he is presumed to have balked at enacting legislation to enforce the new rules, as he is concerned that partisan divisions come to light in the Commons ahead of the election.

The law has already been passed. considered unlikely to be included in the king's speech this fall, and may even be thrown into the grass before the next election.

A government source insisted no decision had been made on the need for legislation. However, another source in Whitehall said: «Most likely, this will not be in the King's speech.»

Schools are awaiting advice on trans issues, which they initially promised to receive by the end of July. The Telegraph understands that Number 10 is still hoping to publish a guideline that says schools can ban children from going to opposite-sex toilets and joining opposite-sex sports teams in the coming weeks.

But that won't include ban on social transition. .

“We are looking at all options to provide clear and concise leadership that will protect children and empower parents and teachers,” said a government source.

Conservative MPs support

A significant group of Conservative deputies are all in favor of making it easier for children to change their sex. On Wednesday night, others urged Mr Sunak to stand his ground and push for changes to the law to ban social transition in schools.

Sir John Hayes, chairman of the Common Sense Conservative MPs group, said: “ Teachers deserve clear instructions about what to do in a difficult situation, and it is important that all this happens with the participation of parents.

“We should not pander to the tiny minority of shrill trans activists who hope to get what they want because they scream the loudest. It is true that a very small number of people come to terms with trans identity and need care and support.

“Good schools have experience in pastoral care, but they need clear government guidance on how to support this pastoral role.”

Nick Fletcher, Conservative MP for Don Valley, said: «I'm concerned about proposals that we need new or changed legislation reaffirming that schools must follow common sense, reality and child protection.»

Gillian Keegan The Minister of Education has promised that a guide to transgender people will be published before the end of the summer term. But it was delayed because the prime minister ordered additional legal advice before making a decision.

Medical approval

Mr. Sunak is believed to agree with Kemi Badenoch, his Minister for Equality, that teachers should be told that children should be able to self-declarate their gender only with doctor's approval.

But Mr. Ms. Keegan is more happy to accept social transitions if children have parental consent.

Ms. Prentice warned that any restrictions on social transition could violate the Equality Act, which lists gender reassignment as a «protected characteristic.»

This would mean that the new law will have to be accepted for the guidance to take effect. The King's speech this fall will be the last opportunity to do so before the election.

A Ministry of Education spokesman said: «Given the complexity and sensitivity of the issue, we are taking the time to ensure that any advice we provide is as clear as possible. .

“We have repeatedly made clear the importance of biological sex and advise schools and colleges to proceed with caution, prioritizing the protection and well-being of all children. and involvement of parents in decision-making concerning their child.”