The BBCA councilor has resigned over the Labor Party’s transgender policies.
Zoe Hughes, an Exeter city councillor, said the party’s support for a ban on puberty blockers for under-18s questioning their gender identity was “a policy I refuse to accept”. I do”.
Hughes was elected as a Labor councilor for the Pennsylvania ward in May and will now serve as an independent.
The Labor Party said it was prioritizing the welfare of children and that its decision was based on all available evidence.
PA MediaSecretary of Health Wes Strating Announced in December He was imposing a temporary ban on puberty blockers introduced across the UK in May following advice and counsel from the Human Medicines Commission.
Hughes said: “As a queer person, I have often felt isolated and marginalized in society. However, I have historically felt that at least the Labor Party had my back.”
Hughes, who uses “they” and “them” as personal pronouns, said he was “nervous” when Prime Minister Keir Starmer met author JK Rowling. Expressed concern about how trans issues affect women’s rights..
Hughes said the decision to stop puberty in an “already vulnerable and disadvantaged group” would result in “increased self-harm”.
He added: “We’ve let the LGBT+ community down and I want no part of that – for me there’s no LGB without a T, it’s that simple.”
A Labor Party spokesman said children’s healthcare “must always put welfare first and be guided by evidence”.
The spokesperson said the Commission on Human Medicine “has carefully reviewed all available evidence and has concluded that prescribing anti-puberty drugs to children for the purposes of gender dysphoria poses an unacceptable safety risk in the current prescribing environment.” represents”.
The government said it was working to “provide comprehensive holistic support to improve gender services for children” and was “committed to the well-being, safety and dignity of trans people of all ages”.
Phil Bialek, Labor leader of Exeter City Council, said: “I am naturally disappointed that Councilor Hughes felt he had to leave.
“I respect that decision, however, people should not underestimate the level of commitment required to become a councilor and become a member of a political group.”
“give down”
The NHS will stop routine prescribing of anti-puberty treatment for under-18s in March 2024. A case review in gender identity services.
In the independent review, paediatrician, Dr Hilary Kass, said children who question their gender had been “let down” by the lack of reliable evidence on medicine.
This review has been criticized by some medical professionals. The British Medical Association said It will take a “neutral position” on its recommendations.