Kids As Young As Four Can Now Change Gender In Scotland Without Parental Consent

Children in Scotland as young as four years old are now able to change their names and genders at schools without requiring parental consent, The Telegraph reported.

A 70-page document issued yesterday states that under new LGBTQ+ inclusivity guidelines created by the Scottish government, teachers are now urged not to question their students if they indicate a wish to transition genders. Instead, teachers are urged to ask for the students’ new names and pronouns.

Along with these guidelines, schools have been told that transgender students should use whatever bathroom or locker room they prefer. The creation of more gender-neutral uniforms and inclusion of transgender characters in lessons and reading materials are being developed.

John Swinney, the deputy first minister, said in a statement in July said that Scotland is already considered one of the most progressive nations in Europe.

“I am delighted to announce we will be the first country in the world to have LGBTI inclusive education embedded within the curriculum,” he said last month.

The guidelines state that there is no age requirement for “coming out,” and the views and requests of the young people should be respected—even if the students do not want their parents to be informed.

“A transgender young person may not have told their family about their gender identity,” the official document states. “Inadvertent disclosure could cause needless stress for the young person or could put them at risk and breach legal requirements. Therefore, it is best to not share information with parents or carers without considering and respecting the young person’s views and rights.”