Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has announced that the UK government will delay issuing new guidance for schools on supporting gender-questioning students, following a recent Supreme Court ruling that defines “woman” based on biological sex.
Phillipson emphasized the need to carefully consider the implications of the ruling and the findings of the Cass Review before finalizing the guidance. She criticized Conservative shadow education secretary Laura Trott for pressuring the government to expedite the process, accusing her of “shameless opportunism.” Phillipson highlighted the sensitivity of the issue, noting that it involves the well-being of vulnerable children, and stressed the importance of providing clear and accurate information to schools.
The draft guidance, initially published in December 2023, suggested involving parents in decisions about a child’s social transition and maintaining single-sex spaces in schools. Teaching unions, including NASUWT, have expressed concerns about the potential impact of the Supreme Court ruling on students and have cautioned against hasty policy changes.
Source: The Standard
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