JERSEY has a history of handling divisive issues “with respect and balance” – and questions of how schools should treat transgender children should be treated the same way, according to a senior politician has said.
Deputy Ian Gorst made the comment as he called for a review before any possible changes are made to school guidance.
He was responding to a proposal submitted earlier this year by Deputy Sir Philip Bailhache, who is asking States Members to give their backing to a document called ‘Treating children as children: a safeguarding approach to trans-identifying children and adolescents in Jersey schools’.
The document approaches the matter through what it describes as a “a safeguarding lens”, and explicitly rejects “a social justice, diversity or human rights framework”, which it says does not distinguish enough between adults and children.
It has been endorsed by the Women’s Rights Network, but saw criticism from the States’ Privileges and Procedures Committee’s Diversity Forum Sub-Committee, who warned it would have an “exclusionary impact on a small group of individuals”.
In an amendment to Deputy Bailhache’s proposal, Deputy Gorst is suggesting that, instead of switching to the ‘Treating children as children’ policy outright, the existing guidance should be reviewed.
If his amendment is successful, that review would start immediately after the election and be completed before the end of 2026. It should take into account “all interested parties (including parents of children potentially affected)”, he said.
In a report explaining the rationale for the proposal, Deputy Gorst said: “As a general rule Jersey has largely managed contentious issues with respect and balance, understanding that in a small community, often sitting together and solving problems is the best and only way to reach agreement.”
Trans guidance in schools is “extremely divisive” in Jersey and elsewhere, he said, adding: “Many on both sides of the arguments have become entrenched and have stopped listening to alternative voices.
“This amendment seeks to ensure that we don’t fall into that trap here in Jersey.”
He added: “My amendment provides the opportunity to seek unity.”
