In a landmark case in Australia, a judge has determined that a 12-year-old child will not begin transitioning to a different gender, as custody has been awarded to the father who opposes this move.
This outcome has been hailed by some as a “stunning victory for sanity in Australia,” reflecting ongoing debates about youth and gender identity.
Judicial Reasoning and Child Welfare
Judge Andrew Strum concluded that the child is currently too young to fully grasp the long-term effects of transitioning. While not dismissing future possibilities, he emphasized the importance of allowing the child to mature before making irreversible decisions.
Judge Strum articulated, “This is a case about a child, and a relatively young one at that; not one about the cause of transgender people.” He further noted that as the child matures, they could make an informed choice about their gender identity with more experience and understanding.
In his judgment, Judge Strum criticized testimony from experts supporting the mother’s stance. He was notably skeptical of claims that gender identity is solely an internal matter, untouched by external influences.
Contentious Expert Testimonies
“Associated Professor L,” a key anonymous figure supporting the mother, was accused by Judge Strum of providing misleading evidence. The judge noted the lack of empirical backing for the expert opinions, which were largely based on anecdotal evidence from transgender adults.
During the trial, the mother dismissed the idea that external factors could influence her child’s gender identity, a notion Judge Strum found unconvincing.
Influence of the Cass Review
The decision was partially guided by the Cass Review from the UK, which critiques the use of puberty blockers and similar treatments for children.
Judge Strum also observed that the mother might have manipulated the child’s gender fluidity to strain the father-child relationship, emphasizing that medical decisions should be made in the child’s best interest rather than for ideological reasons.
Public and Activist Reactions
The ruling has been endorsed by Chris Elston, known as “Billboard Chris,” who has frequently clashed with pro-trans activists and Australian courts.
Elston expressed his view on X, stating, “The gender clinic, an expert witness, the Australian Professional Association for Transgender Health, and a previous judge who tried to downplay the Cass Review have all been severely rebuked in a stunning victory for sanity in Australia.”
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
