"The people who can’t bring forward a PFG come together to actively make things worse for trans people" - Ash Jones

Responding to the Health Minister Mike Nesbitt's announcement of "Executive approval to extend the temporary ban on puberty blockers to NI," Green Party NI representative Ash Jones has said:
"This is highly disappointing from the Health Minister. Puberty blockers play a key role in trans healthcare provision. There is no need to follow the Westminster example. The British Medical Association had called for a pause in implementation of the Cass review findings due to critiques of its methodology. Announcing it via X/twitter is particularly insensitive for such an emotive topic."

"This is another let down by the Stormont Executive parties. They have promised an lgbtq+ strategy since 2007. They have failed to do anything significant to address lgbtq+ inequality and rights. Last night, they have made things worse for trans people and their families. This is a betrayal by the Executive particularly by parties that march in Pride parades."

"Trans healthcare in the UK is already in a shambolic state, and especially for trans youth. Northern Ireland had a small opportunity to be a slight improvement on the England & Wales system in this case, and the Executive have refused to take it.
200 days after the return of the Executive, the people who can’t bring forward a programme for government can come together to actively make things worse for trans people."

"Green Party NI will continue to fight for trans rights in spite of the actions of the NI Executive. This remains a dark day for the provision of healthcare in our region, and we encourage as many people as possible to attend Trans Pride on 14th September to show opposition to this Executives wrongful headed and harmful decisions."

ENDS

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