by Janet Murray and Nicholas Pyke, Daily Mail
Terrified parents have revealed they were referred to the police and social services after questioning their children’s demands to change sex.
The families say they were flagged to the authorities by teachers and medical staff for ‘offences’ such as refusing to buy puberty blocker drugs, restricting internet access and failing to use the new names chosen by their children.
In one case, parents claim they were interviewed by social services after refusing to buy chest binders, which inhibit the natural growth of breasts, while in another a father was arrested following arguments with his vulnerable daughter.
The families, who insist on strict anonymity for fear of upsetting their children, are supported by The Bayswater Group for the parents of trans teenagers.
Representing hundreds of families around the country, the group estimates more than 10 per cent of its members have been referred to social services, with a third of those referrals made by schools.
Bayswater says that it knows of at least 17 cases where social services – and in some cases the police – have interviewed families following complaints, but believes the true number is significantly greater. And it says these figures could grow further thanks to Labour-backed legislation aimed at stamping out attempts to change someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Those found guilty under the draft Conversion Practices Bill could be jailed for five years.