Victorian Libertarian MP David Limbrick has backed a petition for an inquiry into gender identity services after Bev McArthur, a fellow upper house member, tabled it.
Gender identity services refer to medical and psychological assistance provided to those questioning, exploring, or transitioning their gender.
State MP Mr. Limbrick said no child was born in the wrong body, and that children could not consent to puberty blockers or cross-sex hormones.
“I am not saying this to shock or offend, I am saying it because it is true, and we must. Lies about gender treatments have brought us to another disaster of the kind that almost always follows when the state tries to take over the welfare of kids, but radical ideology requires a response of radical truth,” Mr. Limbrick said (pdf).
He said those offended by the idea needed to get perspective and talk to de-transitioners.
“They are all very unique and are very much their own people, but as well as facing complex and lifelong medical problems they are often ostracised by their former friends. But they are amongst the most courageous people I have ever met,” Mr. Limbrick said.
The MP also said there needed to be more data on how many young people end up trying to reverse their transition.
“We do know that around 1,100 children were recently on the waiting list for gender treatment at the Royal Children’s Hospital [in Victoria],” he said. “We can only conclude that the number of de-transitioners will continue to grow.”
“And the [medical] people who destroy these families need have no higher qualification than a ‘working with children’ check,” he added.
Don’t Deny ‘Biological Reality’: Limbrick
In concluding, Mr. Limbrick added trans people have rights like all of us, and respect, but no-one should be forced to deny biological reality.
“Trans people have rights like all of us, and their right to make choices as adults needs to be respected,” he said.
“In the future we will remember the way children in gender distress were treated at a time of state-sponsored madness. So instead of being afraid that someone might be offended it is time for adults to stand up and tell the truth. We must speak up.”
Radical gender ideology requires a response of radical truth.
Today I spoke on the petition tabled by @bevmcarthurmp that calls for an inquiry into gender medicine for children. Libertarians believe in consent, but children cannot consent to puberty blockers. #springst pic.twitter.com/22NVyN6zuI
— David Limbrick MP 🌸 (@_davidlimbrick) May 15, 2024
‘Victorians Supported this Campaign: ‘Liberal MLC Bev McArthur
The Liberal Party member for Western Victoria Bev McArthur said she was proud to table Petition 512, which called for the inquiry.
“Victorians supported this campaign. They stand with clinicians around the world who have defended the rights of children and minors and rejected the pressure from so-called progressive activists to base clinical practice on ideology, not sound medical science, with disastrous consequences for child welfare.”
Ms. McArthur added that since the petition was launched, the Cass review in the UK “vindicated” her position.
Ty @_davidlimbrick for supporting the arguments of my petitioners calling for a thorough, transparent and forensic inquiry into radical gender ideology which is being played out as medical re-assignment of children and minors who are totally incapable of giving ‘informed… https://t.co/48vVOsumnJ
— Bev McArthur MP (@BevMcArthurMP) May 15, 2024
She noted the review found that “for most young people, a medical pathway will not be the best way to manage their gender-related distress.”
“This stands in stark contrast to the move from the Royal Children’s Hospital to endorse and expand the use of gender affirmative treatment, meaning strong hormonal drugs can be prescribed to children and elective surgery may be performed on minors,” she said.
The parliamentarian commended petitioners and thanked them for bravely standing up for the future of children, especially minors in the state of Victoria.
The Royal Children’s Hospital Gender Service in Victoria says it aims to improve the physical and mental health of children and adolescents.
“Being trans or gender diverse is seen as part of the natural spectrum of human diversity,” its website states.
The service accepts new referrals from across Victoria for any child or adolescent up to the age of 16 years with concerns regarding their gender identity.