Primary School Students Can Change Gender Identity Without Parents' Consent, Scottish Gov't Says

Milton Quintanilla | Contributor for ChristianHeadlines.com | Updated: Aug 16, 2021
Primary School Students Can Change Gender Identity Without Parents' Consent, Scottish Gov't Says

Primary School Students Can Change Gender Identity Without Parents' Consent, Scottish Gov't Says

According to new guidelines issued by the Scottish government, primary schools can permit children as young as four years old to change their gender identity without parental consent.

As reported by The Daily Mail, children can also change their names and pronouns in accordance with their desired gender identity.

'Some young people are exploring their gender identity in primary school settings," the guidance states. "Primary schools need to be able to meet the needs of these young people to ensure they have a safe, inclusive and respectful environment in which to learn."

According to the guidance, teachers are not to question students who choose to identify as a different gender. They are also not required to tell parents about their child's request.

Schools are also being instructed to add transgender books to their curriculum, allow boys and girls to use the bathrooms of their choice and introduce a gender-neutral uniform.

"This guidance outlines how schools can support transgender young people while ensuring that the rights of all pupils are fully respected," Scottish Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said in a statement.

While the guidance provides practical suggestions for schools, it is "not prescriptive and does not promote transitioning," she added.

Stonewall Scotland, an LGBTQ+ rights organization, celebrated the new guidance asserting that it permits "young people to thrive."

"We welcome this new guidance and hope this resource empowers teachers and schools across Scotland to better support all young people to thrive, both inside & outside the classroom," Stonewall Scotland tweeted.

Marion Calder, co-director of the For Women Scotland campaign group, expressed concern over the new guidance, noting particular concern for how it will impact parents.

"To be transgender, you have to have a diagnosis of gender dysphoria," Calder explained. "What are they thinking? Parents will be very concerned to be reading this document."

"This is really, really worrying," she continued, according to The Telegraph. "The bottom line is that this is a dangerous ideology that the Scottish Government is pushing."

Photo courtesy: ©Getty Images/Johner Images


Milton Quintanilla is a freelance writer and content creator. He is a contributing writer for Christian Headlines and the host of the For Your Soul Podcast, a podcast devoted to sound doctrine and biblical truth. He holds a Masters of Divinity from Alliance Theological Seminary.



Primary School Students Can Change Gender Identity Without Parents' Consent, Scottish Gov't Says