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The state government released confidential information about the mother of a transgender teenager – information she says potentially exposed her teen – to a unknown individual.

Allegations of “Bullying” and “Privacy Violation”

The revelation emerged as the state government was charged of “intimidation” and “a breach of confidentiality” after requesting private medical information from parents of trans youth who are considering a additional legal challenge to its disputed ban on puberty blockers.

Latest Government Order on Hormone Treatments

Recently, the state health official, Tim Nicholls, issued a new order prohibiting the use of puberty blockers for trans individuals, just hours after the high court determined the government’s first attempt was unlawful.

Media has spoken to four mothers who have contacted Nicholls for a legal document called a explanation of decision – a detailed account of why the authorities decided to ban puberty blockers in the state. Legally, the paper must be provided under the legal statute.

Demanded Medical Details

Each were asked by the Queensland health department for details of their child’s medical history, including “your child’s name, their birthdate and any other evidence which supports your teen having a medical confirmation of gender dysphoria”.

The details were sought before the explanation would be released.

The email, which has been reviewed by the media, also instructed them to verify if your child is a client of the youth gender service so that we can confirm the information submitted with Children’s Health Queensland,” states the email, which was dispatched recently.

Parents Label Request as Breach of Confidentiality

Each parent described the demand as an violation of confidentiality.

A mother said she was hesitant to divulge the information because the authorities had accidentally sent her data to a another individual.

“It feels like having to reveal your teen to obtain a response; like, it’s frightening,” she said.

Case of Louise*

The parent, who must remain anonymous because it would also reveal or expose her teen, was one of several who asked for a statement of reasons both times.

Earlier, the department emailed a reply meant for her to another parent, revealing her name and address – and the fact that she had a transgender child – to a third party. She said a government employee later said sorry over the phone; the Guardian has seen an email from the department confirming the mistake.

She said she felt “sick and unsafe” as a result of the error.

“My child is incredibly private. She is deeply afraid of being outed in any social setting. She doesn’t like people to be aware that she’s trans,” the mother said.

“I honor that to my core as much as possible. The sole occasion I ever, ever disclose is out of need for gaining access to services and exclusively to individuals I consider trustworthy and I know well.”

Louise was particularly concerned about the implication it would be “verified” by the medical facility.

She said the demand was “threatening” and “feels threatening”.

Other Parent Expresses Worries

Another mother said she was not comfortable revealing the health background of her seven-year-old non-binary child.

“It’s not my information, it’s a child’s details,” she said.

“To think that that data could accidentally be leaked someday, in any manner, you know, although that was unintentional, could be deeply, deeply distressing to him.”

She wrote back saying the department had asked for an “excessive level of detail”.

“I would not share that data to another entity that asked for it, particularly in the context of the current political climate,” she said.

“It’s such highly confidential information. You wouldn’t disclose, for instance, your medical condition to the government office, you know. You’d be hesitant and careful to submit such details to a group of officials, basically.”

Advocacy Group Considering Second Lawsuit

The LGBTI Legal Service, which assisted the parent in her challenge, was considering a new legal action, it said last week.

The head, Ren Shike, said the ruling had affected about hundreds of minors and their families and it was crucial to promptly enable the supply of explanations so that children and their guardians can understand the reasoning behind this decision, which has had such a devastating impact on their access to healthcare”.

Government Stance on Prohibition

The authorities has consistently said the prohibition would remain in place until a examination into trans healthcare had been finished.