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The state government disclosed confidential information about the mother of a transgender teenager – information she claims potentially exposed her teen – to a stranger.

Accusations of “Bullying” and “Invasion of Privacy”

The revelation came as the state government was charged of “coercion” and “a breach of confidentiality” after demanding private medical information from parents of trans youth who are considering a additional court case to its disputed prohibition on puberty blockers.

Recent Official Order on Puberty Blockers

Recently, the Queensland health official, Tim Nicholls, enacted a fresh directive banning the use of hormone blockers for trans individuals, shortly after the state’s supreme court ruled the government’s first attempt was unlawful.

Guardian Australia has interviewed several parents who have approached Nicholls for a official paper called a explanation of decision – a detailed account of why the government made a decision to prohibit puberty blockers in the state. Legally, the paper must be provided under the state’s Judicial Review Act.

Demanded Medical Details

Each were asked by the health authorities for particulars of their teen’s health background, including the minor’s identity, their date of birth and any supporting documents which supports your child having a medical confirmation of gender dysphoria”.

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

The message, which has been reviewed by the Guardian, also asked them to “please also confirm if your teen is a patient of the Queensland Children’s Gender Clinic so that we can confirm the information provided with the health service,” reads the email, which was dispatched last Friday.

Mothers Describe Request as Invasion of Privacy

Each parent described the request as an violation of confidentiality.

One parent said she was hesitant to divulge the details because the state government had accidentally forwarded her information to a another individual.

“It seems like having to ‘out’ your child to obtain a reply; like, it’s terrifying,” she said.

Case of the Mother

Louise*, who must remain anonymous because it would also identify or “out” her child, was one of several who requested a explanation on multiple occasions.

Earlier, the department emailed a reply meant for her to someone else, disclosing her identity and location – and the detail that she had a transgender child – to a stranger. She said a government employee later said sorry over the phone; the Guardian has obtained an email from the department confirming the mistake.

She said she felt “sick and unsafe” as a result of the error.

“My daughter is incredibly private. She is immensely fearful of being exposed in any social setting. She dislikes anyone to be aware that she’s trans,” the mother said.

“I respect that to my core as much as possible. The only time I ever, ever disclose is out of need for obtaining entry to services and only to individuals I deem trustworthy and I trust completely.”

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

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

Additional Parent Expresses Concerns

Sally* said she was not comfortable revealing the health background of her seven-year-old non-binary child.

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

“To think that that data could inadvertently be leaked someday, in any way, you know, even if that was unintentional, could be deeply, deeply distressing to him.”

She responded saying the agency had requested an “excessive level of detail”.

“I would not share that data to another entity that asked for it, especially in the context of the present environment,” she said.

“It’s such intensely private stuff. You would not reveal, for instance, your HIV status to the minister’s office, you know. You’d be hesitant and very cautious to submit any of that information to a bunch of bureaucrats, basically.”

Legal Service Weighing Second Lawsuit

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

The head, Ren Shike, said the decision had impacted about 500 Queensland children and their relatives and it was crucial to efficiently facilitate the supply of reasons so that minors and their guardians can understand the logic behind this ruling, which has had such a severe effect on their medical care”.

Government Position on Prohibition

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