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The state government disclosed private details about the mother of a trans teenager – data she claims potentially exposed her teen – to a stranger.

Accusations of “Bullying” and “Privacy Violation”

The revelation emerged as the government was accused of “intimidation” and “a breach of confidentiality” after demanding confidential health records from parents of transgender children who are contemplating a additional court case to its controversial prohibition on hormone blockers.

Recent Official Order on Hormone Treatments

Recently, the state health minister, Tim Nicholls, issued a fresh directive banning the use of hormone blockers for transgender patients, just hours after the state’s supreme court determined the government’s first attempt was illegal.

Guardian Australia has interviewed several parents who have contacted Nicholls for a official paper called a statement of reasons – a formal explanation of why the government decided to ban puberty blockers in the state. By law, the paper must be provided under the state’s Judicial Review Act.

Demanded Medical Details

All four were required by the health authorities for particulars of their child’s medical history, including the minor’s identity, their birthdate and any other evidence which confirms your teen having a clinical diagnosis of gender dysphoria”.

The details were sought before the statement of reasons would be released.

The email, which has been reviewed by the media, also asked them to verify if your child is a client of the youth gender service so that we can confirm the information submitted with the health service,” reads the communication, which was dispatched last Friday.

Mothers Describe Demand as Invasion of Privacy

All four mothers characterized the demand as an invasion of privacy.

One parent said she was hesitant to divulge the details because the state government had accidentally forwarded her data to a another individual.

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

Situation of the Mother

Louise*, who cannot be legally identified because it would also reveal or expose her child, was among those who asked for a statement of reasons on multiple occasions.

Earlier, the agency emailed a response intended for her to another parent, disclosing her name and address – and the detail that she had a trans teen – to a stranger. She said a department official later said sorry by telephone; the Guardian has obtained an message from the department confirming the mistake.

She said she felt “sick and unsafe” as a consequence of the blunder.

“My child is incredibly private. She is immensely fearful of being outed in any public space. She dislikes people to be aware that she’s transgender,” Louise said.

“I honor that to my very being as much as possible. The only time I ever, ever disclose is out of need for obtaining entry to supports and exclusively to individuals I consider trustworthy and I trust completely.”

The parent was particularly concerned about the suggestion it would be “confirmed” by the hospital.

She said the request was “intimidating” and “seems coercive”.

Additional Mother Expresses Concerns

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

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

“To think that that information could inadvertently be leaked one day, in any manner, you know, even if that was unintentional, could be extremely upsetting to them.”

She wrote back saying the agency had asked for an “extraordinary amount of information”.

“I would not share that information to any other organisation that requested it, especially in the context of the current political climate,” she said.

“It’s such highly confidential stuff. You would not reveal, for instance, your medical condition to the minister’s office, you know. You’d be hesitant and careful to provide such details to a group of officials, essentially.”

Legal Service Considering Further Action

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

Its president, Ren Shike, said the ruling had affected about hundreds of minors and their relatives and it was crucial to efficiently facilitate the supply of reasons so that children and their guardians can comprehend the logic behind this ruling, which has had such a severe effect on their access to healthcare”.

Government Position on Ban

The authorities has consistently said the prohibition would stay enforced until a review into trans healthcare had been finished.