Minister warns trans guidance removal in Northern Ireland could leave trans pupils "isolated and hurt"

The decision to withdraw guidance on supporting trans pupils in Northern Ireland schools has prompted warnings that some children may feel "isolated and hurt", according to Sinn Féin's John O'Dowd. The move, ordered by Education Minister Paul Givan, has been met with criticism from teaching unions and political opponents who argue it risks marginalising vulnerable students.

The guidance, originally published by the Education Authority in 2019, offered schools advice on how to support transgender pupils, including access to facilities aligned with their gender identity. However, Givan has now deemed the document "legally incorrect" following a UK Supreme Court ruling that defines a woman by biological sex. He stated that the guidance was influenced by "activist campaigns" and did not reflect departmental policy or legal standards.

Givan’s revised policy asserts that references to "boys" and "girls" must be understood strictly in terms of biological sex. It mandates that pupils use changing rooms and toilets designated for their biological sex and that teachers and students should not be compelled to use pronouns that do not align with biological sex. He emphasised that education policy must be grounded in "legal clarity" and the "best interests of children".

O'Dowd, a former education minister and current finance minister, urged sensitivity in handling the issue, reminding colleagues that "within these discussions there are young people and children" who may be deeply affected. He called for the Northern Ireland Executive to collectively address the matter, rather than allowing individual departments to act unilaterally.

Teaching unions have described the removal of the guidance as a "retrograde step" and are demanding that Givan publish the legal advice underpinning his decision. Justin McCamphill of NASUWT said the voices of young people had been "left out of the conversation" and warned that the withdrawal of the framework could stifle important discussions around gender identity in schools.

The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland is currently seeking a High Court declaration to clarify how the Supreme Court ruling interacts with local legislation, including the Windsor Framework. Givan, however, criticised the Commission’s approach, arguing that schools and families cannot afford to wait for further legal interpretation.