The province of Alberta has officially unveiled its so-called “Parental Rights” policies.
All gender reassignment surgeries for those 17 and under will be prohibited, and the use of puberty blockers for gender reassignment will not be permitted for children 15 and under, except those who have already commenced treatment. Mature teens ages 16 and 17 would be allowed to use puberty blockers and hormone treatment only after receiving parental and doctor approval.
Parents will also have to opt in and be notified when their children receive formal instruction related to gender identity, sexual identity, or human sexuality. Parents must consent for children aged 15 and under to alter their names or pronouns used by school teachers.
In addition, the province is also committing to bringing in medical professionals who specialize in pre-and post-operative transgender care for adults.
Premier Danielle Smith says these changes are to ensure that children do not make life-altering and often irreversible adult decisions.
Meanwhile, NDP Leader Rachel Notley says the opposition strongly opposes these new policies, adding their implementation is founded on misinformation and targets vulnerable children.
More to come.
