by Jenny Lindsay, The Scotsman
Arguments in favour of treatment are not based in science but are a consequence of damaging ideology
The first formal legal attempt to stop the Pathways Trial has failed. This experiment will soon see puberty blocking drugs administered to over 200 children aged 11 to 16, to assess how much harm or benefit may result from halting a vital stage of their human development.
In a case brought by detransitioner Keira Bell, psychotherapist James Esses, and the Bayswater Group – a parent support group for those with trans-identifying children – Justice Carmichael ruled last Friday they had no “realistic prospect” of winning their desired Judicial Review into the ethics of the trial.
The group’s simple argument is enough young people – including Bell – have been given puberty blockers this past decade to determine their lack of safety and efficacy already. Why risk harming more children when harm has already been confirmed?
While the group weigh up whether to appeal the ruling, Dr Hilary Cass, who recommended the trial, told the BBC Today programme she’s pleased “the science can continue.”
This exemplifies the irrationality at the heart of this: desire for puberty blockers isn’t based in science. It’s but one consequence of a wildly successful global ideology that has caused extensive social, cultural, and political harm.
As ever, following a topsy-turvy decision in the fractious ‘gender wars’, many people new to this have asked ‘how in hell did we get here?’ It’s the correct question, but the answer is complex.
Once upon a time, in a long-forgotten world – circa two decades ago – most people weren’t aware some believed in the existence of ‘transsexual children.’
That’s because nobody did.