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The state government released private information about the parent of a transgender teenager – data she says potentially “outed” her teen – to a stranger.

Accusations of “Bullying” and “Privacy Violation”

The revelation came as the government was charged of “coercion” and “an invasion of privacy” after requesting confidential health records from guardians of trans youth who are contemplating a further court case to its disputed prohibition on hormone blockers.

Recent Government Directive on Puberty Blockers

Recently, the Queensland health official, Tim Nicholls, enacted a new order banning the prescription of puberty blockers for trans individuals, shortly after the state’s supreme court ruled the initial ban was illegal.

Guardian Australia has interviewed several parents who have contacted Nicholls for a legal document called a explanation of decision – a detailed account of why the government made a decision to ban puberty blockers in the state. Legally, the document must be supplied under the state’s Judicial Review Act.

Demanded Medical Details

Each were required by the health authorities for particulars of their child’s medical history, including “your child’s name, their birthdate and any supporting documents which confirms your teen having a clinical diagnosis of gender dysphoria”.

The details were sought before the statement of reasons would be provided.

The message, which has been seen by the media, also asked them to verify if your teen is a patient of the Queensland Children’s Gender Clinic so that we can verify the data submitted with the health service,” states the email, which was dispatched recently.

Mothers Label Demand as Invasion of Privacy

All four mothers characterized the demand as an invasion of privacy.

One parent said she was reluctant to divulge the information because the state government had mistakenly sent her data to a another individual.

“It seems like having to reveal your teen to actually get a reply; like, it’s frightening,” she said.

Situation of the Mother

Louise*, who cannot be legally identified because it would also reveal or “out” her child, was one of several who requested a explanation on multiple occasions.

Earlier, the agency sent a response meant for her to someone else, disclosing her name and location – and the detail that she had a transgender child – to a stranger. She said a government employee later said sorry by telephone; the media has obtained an email from the agency confirming the mistake.

She said she felt “ill and vulnerable” as a consequence of the blunder.

“My daughter is incredibly private. She is immensely fearful of being outed in any public space. She dislikes people to know that she’s trans,” Louise said.

“I honor that to my core as much as humanly possible. The only time I ever disclose is out of necessity for obtaining entry to services and only to individuals I deem incredibly safe and I trust completely.”

Louise was especially worried about the implication it would be “confirmed” by the medical facility.

She said the request was “threatening” and “feels threatening”.

Additional Mother Voices Concerns

Another mother said she was unwilling revealing the health background of her young gender-diverse child.

“It’s not my data, it’s a seven-year-old’s details,” she said.

“To imagine that that information could accidentally be leaked one day, in any way, you know, although that was accidental, could be extremely upsetting to him.”

She responded saying the agency had requested an “extraordinary amount of information”.

“I would not share that information to any other organisation that asked for it, particularly in the context of the present environment,” she said.

“It’s such intensely private information. You would not reveal, for instance, your medical condition to the minister’s office, you know. You’d be hesitant and careful to provide such details to a group of officials, essentially.”

Legal Service Considering Further Action

The advocacy organization, which assisted the mother in her challenge, was evaluating a new legal action, it said recently.

The head, Ren Shike, said the decision had affected about 500 Queensland children and their relatives and it was crucial to promptly enable the supply of explanations so that children and their guardians can comprehend the reasoning behind this decision, which has had such a devastating impact on their access to healthcare”.

Authorities Position on Ban

The government has consistently said the ban would remain in place until a review into trans healthcare had been finished.