30th Nov 2022, 4:18 PM – Senate Committees - Community Affairs References Committee; Reference - Puberty blockers and disproven theory

The majority voted against a motion introduced by Queensland Senator Pauline Hanson (One Nation), which means it failed.

Does rapid onset of gender dysphoria exist?

Rapid onset of gender dysphoria in young people does not have clinical support. Despite the lack of evidence, many anti-trans groups continue to argue that it exists and encourage politicians like Senator Hanson to do likewise, as she is in this motion.

On how we've classified this motion

Because this motion cites a harmful and unsupported theory as if it were fact, we are treating this motion as an anti-trans motion and have attached it to the relevant policies.

Rebellions

Four Liberal Party senators crossed the floor to vote "No" against the rest of the Liberal party, who voted "Yes". They were: South Australian Senator Simon Birmingham, NSW Senator Andrew Bragg, NSW Senator Marise Payne and West Australian Senator Dean Smith.

Motion text

That the following matter be referred to the Community Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report by the first sitting day in March 2023:

The use of puberty blockers in Australia, with particular reference to:

(a) the causes of the increase in rapid onset of gender dysphoria in children, including friendship groups, peer contagion, gender clinic staff and social media;

(b) the experiences of parents of young people who have been prescribed puberty blockers, including their experience with the medical system;

(c) the experiences of young people who have been prescribed puberty blockers, including their experience with the medical system;

(d) the medical oversight of general practitioners prescribing puberty blockers;

(e) the results of longitudinal studies of young people prescribed puberty blockers;

(f) whether the decision of the England and Wales High Court in Bell v Tavistock [2020] EWHC 3274, which held that it was highly unlikely that a child under the age of 16 could give consent to being prescribed puberty blockers, should apply in Australia;

(g) whether puberty blockers are reversible as claimed;

(h) whether affirming gender dysphoria as a primary condition is always helpful in the absence of investigating prior trauma, mental illness and other conditions; and

(i) any other related matters.