Debate contribution: Gender Identity Services

Debate contribution by Mr Doug Beattie MC on 13 January 2026.

MLA: Mr Doug Beattie MC
Party at the time: Ulster Unionist Party
Date: 13 January 2026
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Oral Answers to Questions
Heading: Gender Identity Services
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5316260

Text

I thank the Minister for his answer. Given that puberty blockers were banned because they could cause harm to individual children, and given that children under the age of 16, which is the age range in this pathway trial, cannot give consent to participate in the trial themselves, what safeguards will be in place for those children post-trial and as they move into adulthood, if puberty blockers are found to have created irreversible damage?

74 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Part of an exchange

This follow-up belongs to: Topical question AQT 1912/22-27.

Assessment

Not analysed

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