Sex Discrimination Commissioner raises concerns on Queensland’s pause on hormone therapies
Commissioner warns the pause on hormone therapies risks harming trans young people awaiting essential, evidence‑based care.
Sex Discrimination Commissioner Dr Anna Cody has raised concerns on the pause in Stage One and Two hormone therapies for people under 18 years through the Queensland's public health system while an independent review is undertaken.
“A fundamental human right is access to healthcare, and gender affirming healthcare is part of this right,” she said. “Trans and gender diverse children and young people should feel supported to affirm their gender by the adults in their lives and health care providers.
“This pause has the potential to harm the physical and mental wellbeing of children in Queensland who are currently awaiting care. We note that these treatments are supported by evidence and the Australian Standards of Care and Treatment Guidelines for Trans and Gender Diverse Children and Adolescents that are endorsed by medical experts*. Above all, we must ensure we are putting the wellbeing of trans and gender diverse children and young people first.
“The Australian Human Rights Commission will be contacting the Queensland Government with our concerns and to seek further information. Our concern is that restricting access will create trauma to young people who will be unable to access treatments in a timely manner.”
* Australian Professional Association for Trans Health and the Australian Endocrine Society.
Media contact
Email: media@humanrights.gov.au or phone: 0457 281 897
