On Tuesday,Morrison initially emphasised the significance and permanence of gender reassignment surgery,telling reporters:“We’re talking about gender reversal surgery for young adolescents and we can’t pretend this is not a serious,significant issue.”
When reporters said that under federal and international health guidelines,minors cannot access the procedure,Morrison said it was a serious operation at any age and that the “process” of transitioning could begin while children were young.
“I’m not a surgeon. I’m not the chief medical officer,” he said. “The surgical procedure can’t[take place],but the process,the process by which these discussions commence and when issues of gender are being discussed with adolescents,that’s when a process can commence. And these are issues that I have no doubt Australians are very concerned about. Parents are very concerned about it. They should be dealt with sensitively.”
While laws vary by state,under 18s usually find it difficult to access gender reassignment surgery. TransHub,a NSW-based resource,states:“Generally,gender-affirming surgeries are not available to people under the age of 18.”
However,TransHub also notessome surgeons may be willing to perform “top surgery” – to remove breast tissue – for people aged 16 and over:“Parental consent,alongside the coordinated care of a multidisciplinary team (as available) is required for top surgery for anyone under 18 years old.”
Some Liberals are concerned Deves’ comments on LGBTIQ issues will hurt the party in inner-city seats where so-called ‘moderate’ Liberals are in tough contests against ‘teal’ independents.
Morrison said he did not regret preselecting Deves for Warringah in Sydney’s northern beaches,a seat held by independent Zali Steggall after she defeated Tony Abbott with a large swing in 2019.
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“I’m absolutely pleased that I’ve been able to recruit and we’ve been able to appoint strong female Liberal candidates that won’t just run with the pack when it comes to issues but will stand up for what they believe in. That’s what being a Liberal is all about,” he said. “Not everybody may agree with her[Deves’] point of view. I accept that.”
Morrison said he had not had the opportunity to speak to Deves about her latest remarks but he was confident they would speak in the future.
Australian Professional Association for Trans Health president Fiona Bisshop said healthcare that affirmed a child’s gender was “life changing and life saving”,and medical decisions should be made by the patient and their doctors,“rather than being the subject of political debate”.
“Genital surgery is only performed on adults,” she said,though she added that in rare cases older teenage boys underwent top surgery.
“These treatments help young people to be able to leave the house,go to school and live their lives rather than stay at home crippled by anxiety and dysphoria,” Bisshop said.
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