And now for the latest from the UK's gender wars...
Telling children they can change sex is conversion therapy, say campaigners
Sex Matters say treatments mask sexuality issues and seek to ‘trans away the gay’
Sex Matters said they wanted to see an end to what they call “modern conversion therapy”, under which children who may be struggling with their sexuality are encouraged to change gender.
“Modern conversion therapy is telling children that they can be the opposite sex, which if they are going to grow up to be gay makes them ‘straight’.
“In the strongest possible terms, we are calling for a ban on harmful and misleading practices that are targeting minors and vulnerable people. Puberty is a human right.”
Sex Matters said that, increasingly, these products are being offered to children who are worried their sexual orientation may be unacceptable.
By changing gender, they are told, they will be effectively straight – a process called “transing away the gay”.
The group is campaigning for legislation that outlaws all medical or surgical treatment of minors to modify their sexual characteristics, as well as medical or surgical treatment performed on anyone who thinks it will change their sex.
The group said such legislation could use the model of laws against female genital mutilation and virginity testing.
Increasing numbers of same-sex attracted children are being prescribed drugs that halt the natural progression of puberty, and cross-sex hormones that cause secondary sexual characteristics of the opposite sex to develop.
Some go on to have irreversible surgery to remove their breasts, genitals or internal sexual organs.