A Cabinet minister is in disarray today after declaring that 16-year-olds are old enough to undergo gender transition.
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan jeopardized a conflict with Rishi Sunak by implying through a series of interviews that she supported lowering the age limit from 18 to 16.
This is one of the provisions of legislation passed by Holyrood that Westminster is blocking because it would conflict with existing UK laws.
After pointing out that she too had been working and paid taxes at the age of 16, Ms. Keegan desperately attempted to quiet the controversy in a later appearance by stating that she did not have a’strong stance’
Nicola Sturgeon complained of a “frontal assault” by Westminster after officials intervened to prevent Holyrood’s law from causing chaos.
Later, Scottish Secretary Alister Jack will make a statement to the House of Commons to explain the unprecedented use of Section 35 powers, with experts claiming that the Scottish government overstepped the mark.
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan risked a conflict with Rishi Sunak by indicating, in a series of interviews, that she supported lowering the age limit from 18 to 16.
Last week, Scottish Secretary Alister Jack and Rishi Sunak were seen in Inverness.
Ms. Keegan was questioned on Sky News if she would approve of allowing 16-year-old students to decide if they wish to alter their gender.
She stated, “We must be extremely sensitive to children.” We are actually planning to publish some guidelines and do a survey because this is such a difficult subject to get correctly.
Age-appropriateness is required, but youngsters must also be supported.
The minister was pressed for her personal opinion and asked if 16 was too young.
“No, I don’t in fact.
I was working at 16, paying taxes at 16, and making independent decisions at 16,’ she replied.
“But it’s not really about what I think; it’s about ensuring that we strike the right balance between supporting children and ensuring that they receive age-appropriate instruction in schools.”
Ms. Keegan later appeared to retract her words, denying that she and Mr. Sunak are at differences over the matter.
She stated, “We will be publishing guidelines and conducting a lengthy consultation because this is a very delicate subject and we want to ensure that we support children in the right way at the right time and teach them according to their age.”
I stated, “Look, at 16, I was working and paying taxes, but all 16-year-olds are unique.”
Obviously, everyone has a unique perspective. It is crucial that we take into account the perspectives of parents, teachers, children, and other stakeholders, as the situation is highly complex.
“But what I said was, you know, for me, myself, I felt capable of making independent decisions at age 16.” Of course, I was… I matured pretty rapidly and began working full-time at age 16.
Therefore, I do not have a difference of view. In actuality, I have no strong opinion.
My firm belief is that we must approach this issue with extreme care, sensitivity, and support for children throughout.
First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon had cautioned the British government against blocking gender identity legislation.
Nicola Sturgeon condemned a ‘frontal assault’ on Holyrood and pledged that the Scottish Government will continue to protect gender legislation.
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