Transgender guidance for schools, published this December, does not require teachers or pupils to address a child, who wants to change gender, by their preferred pronoun.
As the guidance was being drafted, The Times said children would be able to socially transition with parental consent, but only in limited circumstances; and teachers would not be forced to use a child’s chosen pronoun if they have a ‘good faith’ exception.
This has now been confirmed, with Minister for Women and Equalities Kemi Badenoch adding that the guidance makes it clear ‘schools do not have to accept a child's request to socially transition’.
Schools will have to comply with laws, including the Equality Act; and keep toilets and changing rooms separate.
Tory MP Miriam Cates, an evangelical Christian, said the guidance should make clear that ‘the only safe way to approach this issue is to treat all children according to their biological sex at all times and in all areas – sports, toilets, changing rooms, pronouns. This is a standard safeguarding approach.’
According to Lizzie Harewood, executive officer at the Association of Christian Teachers, estimates suggest more than half of teachers teach a student who identifies as trans or non-binary.
She added: ‘It is essential to communicate with all children on this matter with both gentleness and truthfulness, ensuring unwavering pastoral care is provided for vulnerable students without exception, whilst shielding them from harmful ideology.’
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