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The state government released private details about the parent of a trans teenager – information she claims potentially exposed her teen – to a stranger.

Allegations of “Intimidation” and “Privacy Violation”

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

Recent Official Directive on Hormone Treatments

Last month, the Queensland health minister, Tim Nicholls, issued a fresh directive prohibiting the prescription of hormone blockers for transgender patients, shortly after the high court ruled the initial ban was illegal.

Media has spoken to four mothers who have approached Nicholls for a legal document called a statement of reasons – a detailed account of why the government made a decision to ban puberty blockers in the state. Legally, the paper must be provided under the state’s Judicial Review Act.

Requested Medical Details

Each were required by the Queensland health department for details of their child’s medical history, including the minor’s identity, their date of birth and any supporting documents which confirms your teen having a medical confirmation of gender dysphoria”.

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

The message, which has been reviewed by the media, also asked them to verify if your child is a patient of the Queensland Children’s Gender Clinic so that we can confirm the information submitted with Children’s Health Queensland,” reads the email, which was sent last Friday.

Parents Describe Request as Invasion of Privacy

Each parent described the demand as an violation of confidentiality.

A mother said she was hesitant to share the details because the authorities had mistakenly forwarded her information to a another individual.

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

Case of Louise*

The parent, who must remain anonymous because it would also reveal or expose her teen, was one of several who asked for a explanation both times.

In May, the department emailed a response meant for her to someone else, disclosing her identity and location – and the detail that she had a trans teen – to a stranger. She said a government employee later said sorry over the phone; the media has seen an message from the department confirming the error.

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

“My daughter is very reserved. She is deeply afraid of being exposed in any public space. She dislikes people to be aware that she’s trans,” the mother said.

“I honor that to my very being as much as humanly possible. The sole occasion I ever disclose is out of need for obtaining entry to supports and exclusively to people I consider trustworthy and I trust completely.”

Louise was particularly concerned about the suggestion it would be “confirmed” by the medical facility.

She said the request was “threatening” and “seems coercive”.

Other Mother Expresses Concerns

Another mother said she was not comfortable revealing the health background of her young gender-diverse child.

“It’s not my data, it’s a child’s details,” she said.

“To imagine that that data could accidentally be leaked someday, in any way, you know, although that was accidental, could be deeply, deeply distressing to him.”

She responded saying the department had asked for an “excessive level of detail”.

“I wouldn’t provide that information to any other organisation that requested it, especially in the context of the present environment,” she said.

“It’s such intensely private stuff. You wouldn’t disclose, for example, your medical condition to the minister’s office, you know. You’d be very reluctant and careful to submit any of that information to a group of officials, basically.”

Advocacy Group Considering Further Action

The LGBTI Legal Service, which represented the mother in her challenge, was evaluating a new legal action, it said last week.

Its president, Ren Shike, said the ruling had affected about 500 Queensland children and their families and it was crucial to efficiently facilitate the provision of reasons so that minors and their guardians can understand the logic behind this ruling, which has had such a severe effect on their access to healthcare”.

Government Stance on Prohibition

The authorities has repeatedly said the prohibition would remain in place until a examination into trans healthcare had been finished.