RESOLVED, recognizing that if not intervened upon, the majority of ‘trans-identifying’ youth grow up to be lesbian, gay, or bisexual, the right to be free from conversion therapy includes the right to be free of indoctrination into gender identity ideology and its accompanying cosmetic medical procedures designed to disguise one’s sex…
The New Zealand Government’s decision to halt new prescriptions of puberty blockers (gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues, GnRH) for “gender dysphoria” is an important step in the right direction and marks a tectonic shift in youth healthcare policy. For us, this pause brings a cautious sense of hope – especially for children who may grow up to be lesbian or gay. It’s not a total ban, but it significantly reduces the medicalisation of distressed children.
What has changed
The Government has announced yesterday that new prescriptions of puberty blockers for “gender dysphoria” will be paused until the results of clinical trials in the UK are available.
Young people already receiving these prescriptions will be able to continue their treatment for now.
GnRH remain available for established medical uses, such as early-onset puberty, prostate cancer, endometriosis and hormone-related conditions.
Why this matters for lesbians
Many children experience discomfort and distress during adolescence – in fact, it’s a normal part of human development. Especially children who don’t seem to fit the stereotypical expectations of their sex often navigate a complex journey of self-discovery, questioning and identity. By halting new prescriptions, the policy shifts attention from almost automatic medicalisation of physical development to psychological and social support – areas that urgently need widening and increased funding.
For girls who may later come out as lesbians, the change offers protection: Instead of being channelled into puberty suppression and social “transition” simply because their bodies or feelings don’t align with societal expectations, the new policy will prioritise time for natural development and self-reflection over irreversible medical interventions.
While this development is welcome, important questions remain:
- The very concept of “gender dysphoria” is under increasing scrutiny. The Cass Review, a major review commissioned in the UK found that much of “gender medicine” is built on shaky foundations, noting that most clinical guidelines for children are neither independent nor strongly evidence-based.
- The government’s policy pause appears to be closely linked to the UK Pathways clinical trial, which is due to report in the coming years. The trial documenting the use of powerful drugs originally developed for other conditions – in children for whom long-term safety data is limited – raises strong ethical questions.
- The pause leaves children currently taking the drug in a dangerous position. We believe their cases should be reviewed immediately, with parents and clinicians engaging in a thorough and transparent informed-consent process about the risks and potential harms, such as infertility and loss of sexual function.
- Oranga Tamariki’s (NZ Ministry for Children) current guidelines for children in state care remain rooted in an “affirmation-first” model, which is particularly concerning because young people who experience distress about their sex are disproportionately represented in care.
Now for it: What needs to happen next?
- All existing cases of children on puberty blockers must be reviewed and evaluated, ensuring genuine informed consent.
- Oranga Tamariki’s affirmation-based model must be investigated to ensure it does not harm children’s long-term wellbeing.
- The ethics of the UK’s Pathways clinical trials need to be investigated.
The policy shift did not happen in a vacuum, but is the result of persistent pressure from parents, women’s groups, clinicians, researchers, and everyday citizens. Our collective action has made a real difference. Now is the time to keep up the pressure to safeguard and monitor the policy pause and prevent it from being reversed quietly.
As advocacy groups, we need to:
- continue engagement, scrutiny and advocacy to ensure that children’s health remain at the centre of policy decisions,
- form new and strengthen existing national and international alliances to maintain momentum to further inform the public and keep up the pressure,
- safeguard and monitor the policy pause and prevent it from being reversed,
- widen the scope of investigation into other “gender” related organisations, policies and laws that impact women and children (Conversion Practices, “rainbow” charities, government agencies advocating for DEI, etc).
The new policy offers genuine hope that fewer children will be fast-tracked into irreversible medical treatments and more will have the space to grow, question and understand themselves on their own terms. For young lesbians and future lesbians it represents a vital protection for healthy development.
Lesbian Bill Of Rights International
WDI USA Lesbian Caucus
Lesbian Resistance New Zealand
Lesbian Action Group (Australia)
Lezbicon (Norway)
Arcilesbica (Italy)
CoAL (Australia)
