Speaking ahead of today’s Assembly motion to mark International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, Gerry Carroll said, “This motion has been tabled by the Alliance Party - one of the Executive parties behind the cowardly and disastrous decision to ban access to puberty blockers for under 18s indefinitely.”
“Restricting access to puberty blockers is a flagrant violation of the rights of LGBTQ+ people, and has damaged the physical and mental health of young people who can’t access this gender-affirming care. Executive parties have also refused to publish the clinical evidence that informed this harmful decision, despite multiple Freedom of Information requests.”
“Non-binding motions that express vague, warm sentiments towards LGBTQ+ people simply won’t cut it. The DUP are consistently and outspokenly hostile towards the trans and non-binary community, while other Executive parties pay lip service to the trans community while withdrawing life enhancing and life saving services. The LGBTQ+ community deserves far better. It’s time for the Executive to own up to its mistake in capitulating to Westminster on this issue, and immediately reverse the decision to deny trans youth the healthcare they need.”
The full text of the motion and amendment can be found here.