Queensland reinstates puberty blocker ban hours after court overturns it

"The court heard that health director-general Dr David Rosengren had consulted with executives of the state's hospitals and health services at 10am on 28 January, the same time that Nicholls held a press conference announcing the ban and a subsequent review. In a statement to parliament on Tuesday, just hours after the verdict, Nicholls issued a "written ministerial direction" to reinstate the ban until the review had been completed, saying the court ruling had focused on the improper process behind the ban's enactment, not whether it was appropriate. 'I am satisfied it is appropriate and in the public interest that I issue a written ministerial direction,' he said, according to The Guardian. The new directive's provisions are believed to match those announced in January."

"Queensland government officials originally chose to restrict puberty blocker prescriptions as part of a review into the safety of the hormone suppressants. There is no explicit evidence that the physically reversible medication, which halts unwanted physical changes by suppressing sex hormones, are harmful. Some studies have suggested they are 'life-saving' for transgender youngsters."

Queensland reinstated restrictions on prescribing puberty blockers to people under 18 after a Supreme Court judge overturned an earlier directive because officials failed to properly consult relevant parties before its January announcement. Health Minister Tim Nicholls issued a written ministerial direction hours after the ruling to reinstate the ban until the government's safety review concludes, saying the court's decision addressed process rather than appropriateness. Health director-general Dr David Rosengren had consulted hospital executives at 10am on 28 January, the same time Nicholls held a press conference. There is no explicit evidence that the physically reversible medication is harmful; some studies describe it as life-saving. A mother of a transgender teenager sued, calling the decision an 'improper exercise of power.'

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