‘Gender Questioning Children’ Guidance Consultation

In the last five or so years, since the introduction of statutory guidance instructing schools to include LGBT issues, including 'gender identity,' in Relationship and Sex Education (RSE), an environment has been fostered where numerous schools have actively promoted transgender ideology. The number of children in schools with questions about their gender has skyrocketed.  Many members of ACT have faced challenges in understanding how to support children questioning their gender, and how to navigate this with regards to their Christian faith.

At ACT, we have cautiously welcomed the guidance The Department for Education issued in December for schools on supporting gender-questioning children. It has provided valuable reinforcement of the importance of exercising caution when supporting children who are questioning their gender identity. The guidance emphasises that parents should not be excluded from decisions made by schools or colleges regarding requests for a child to "socially transition."

Of particular significance for teachers and school staff is the absence of a duty to affirm a child's gender identity or to use preferred pronouns. This principle also extends to other students. Additionally, the guidance states that schools must not permit access to single-sex facilities such as toilets, showers, and changing rooms designated for use by the opposite sex.

There is a lot to be thankful for, though there are still concerns that the guidance doesn’t go far enough and doesn’t have statutory force. We also expect it will face major pushback from LGBT lobbyists. For this reason, we want to encourage you to respond to the government’s consultation on this guidance, providing your perspective and pertinent insights based on your professional experience.

Anybody can respond- you don’t need to be a teacher, governor, parent or even work in a school. There are helpful resources from Christian Concern, the Evangelical Alliance and the Christian Institute which guide you through the consultation. You will need to include your own specific thoughts and wording.

Click here to take part in the consultation.
The Christian Institute has produced some advice which is available here. 

Please remember, above all, to pray! Pray that guidance will be upheld and enforced wisely. And pray that Christians would be the leaders in showing limitless compassion to vulnerable children, treating them with care and dignity, whilst holding fast to God’s good design as revealed in the Bible.