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The state government released confidential details about the mother of a trans teenager – data she says potentially “outed” her teen – to a stranger.

Allegations of “Intimidation” and “Privacy Violation”

The disclosure came as the state government was accused of “intimidation” and “a breach of confidentiality” after demanding private health records from guardians of transgender children who are considering a additional legal challenge to its disputed prohibition on puberty blockers.

Latest Official Order on Puberty Blockers

Last month, the state health minister, Tim Nicholls, issued a fresh directive banning the use of hormone blockers for trans individuals, just hours after the high court ruled the government’s first attempt was unlawful.

Media has spoken to four mothers who have approached Nicholls for a official paper called a explanation of decision – a formal explanation of why the government made a decision to ban puberty blockers in the region. Legally, the document must be supplied under the state’s Judicial Review Act.

Demanded Medical Details

Each were asked by the health authorities for details of their teen’s health background, including the minor’s identity, their birthdate and any supporting documents which supports your teen having a medical confirmation of gender identity disorder”.

The details were requested before the statement of reasons would be provided.

The message, which has been seen by the media, also asked them to verify if your child is a patient of the youth gender service so that we can confirm the data submitted with the health service,” reads the email, which was dispatched last Friday.

Parents Label Demand as Breach of Confidentiality

Each parent described the request as an invasion of privacy.

One parent said she was reluctant to divulge the information because the authorities had mistakenly sent her information to a different parent.

“It seems like having to ‘out’ your teen to obtain a reply; like, it’s terrifying,” she said.

Situation of Louise*

Louise*, who must remain anonymous because it would also identify or expose her child, was among those who requested a statement of reasons both times.

Earlier, the agency emailed a reply intended for her to another parent, disclosing her identity and location – and the fact that she had a transgender child – to a stranger. She said a department official later said sorry by telephone; the media has obtained an message from the agency confirming the error.

She said she felt “ill and vulnerable” as a consequence of the blunder.

“My daughter is incredibly private. She is deeply afraid of being exposed in any social setting. She dislikes anyone to be aware that she’s trans,” the mother said.

“I honor that to my core as much as possible. The sole occasion I ever disclose is out of need for obtaining entry to services and only to individuals I consider incredibly safe and I know well.”

Louise was particularly concerned about the suggestion it would be “verified” by the medical facility.

She said the demand was “intimidating” and “feels threatening”.

Additional Mother Voices Concerns

Another mother said she was not comfortable disclosing the medical history of her young gender-diverse child.

“It’s not my data, it’s a child’s details,” she said.

“To think that that information could inadvertently be disclosed one day, in any manner, you know, even if that was accidental, could be extremely upsetting to him.”

She wrote back saying the department had requested an “extraordinary amount of information”.

“I wouldn’t provide that data to another entity that requested it, especially in the context of the present environment,” she said.

“It’s such highly confidential stuff. You would not reveal, for example, your HIV status to the minister’s office, you know. You’d be hesitant and very cautious to provide any of that information to a bunch of bureaucrats, basically.”

Advocacy Group Considering Second Lawsuit

The LGBTI Legal Service, which represented the mother in her challenge, was evaluating a new legal action, it said recently.

Its president, Ren Shike, said the decision had impacted about hundreds of minors and their families and it was crucial to efficiently facilitate the supply of explanations so that minors and their guardians can comprehend the reasoning behind this ruling, which has had such a devastating impact on their medical care”.

Authorities Stance on Prohibition

The government has consistently said the prohibition would remain in place until a review into gender-affirming care had been finished.