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The Queensland government disclosed private details about the parent of a trans teenager – data she claims potentially “outed” her teen – to a unknown individual.

Accusations of “Bullying” and “Invasion of Privacy”

The disclosure came as the state government was charged of “coercion” and “an invasion of privacy” after requesting private medical information from parents of trans youth who are contemplating a additional legal challenge to its disputed ban on hormone blockers.

Latest Official Order on Puberty Blockers

Last month, the state health minister, Tim Nicholls, enacted a new order prohibiting the use of puberty blockers for transgender patients, shortly after the high court ruled the government’s first attempt was unlawful.

Guardian Australia has spoken to several parents who have contacted Nicholls for a legal document called a statement of reasons – a detailed account of why the authorities decided to prohibit puberty blockers in the state. Legally, the paper must be supplied under the legal statute.

Requested Medical Details

Each were required by the health authorities for details of their child’s medical history, including the minor’s identity, their date of birth and any supporting documents which confirms your child having a medical confirmation of gender identity disorder”.

The details were requested before the explanation would be released.

The message, which has been seen by the Guardian, also instructed them to verify if your teen is a patient of the youth gender service so that we can confirm the information provided with the health service,” reads the email, which was dispatched last Friday.

Parents Label Demand as Invasion of Privacy

Each parent characterized the demand as an violation of confidentiality.

One parent said she was hesitant to share the details because the authorities had accidentally sent her data to a another individual.

“It feels like having to ‘out’ your teen to obtain a reply; like, it’s terrifying,” she said.

Situation of the Mother

The parent, who cannot be legally identified because it would also identify or expose her child, was one of several who asked for a explanation both times.

Earlier, the department sent a reply meant for her to another parent, revealing her name and address – and the fact 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 admitting the error.

She said she felt “sick and unsafe” as a result 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 respect that to my very being as much as possible. The only time I ever, ever disclose is out of necessity for obtaining entry to supports and only to people I consider incredibly safe and I trust completely.”

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

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

Additional Mother Expresses Concerns

Sally* said she was unwilling revealing the health background of her seven-year-old gender-diverse child.

“It’s not my information, it’s a seven-year-old’s information,” she said.

“To think that that data could accidentally be leaked someday, in any way, you know, although that was unintentional, could be deeply, deeply distressing to him.”

She responded saying the department had requested an “extraordinary amount of information”.

“I wouldn’t provide that data to another entity that asked for it, particularly in the context of the present environment,” she said.

“It’s such intensely private information. You would not reveal, for example, your medical condition to the minister’s office, you know. You’d be very reluctant and very cautious to submit any of that information to a bunch of bureaucrats, basically.”

Advocacy Group Weighing Further Action

The LGBTI Legal Service, which assisted the parent in her challenge, was evaluating a second lawsuit, it said recently.

The head, Ren Shike, said the ruling had impacted about 500 Queensland children and their families and it was crucial to efficiently facilitate the supply of explanations so that minors and their guardians can comprehend the logic behind this ruling, which has had such a severe effect on their access to healthcare”.

Authorities Position on Ban

The government has repeatedly said the ban would remain in place until a examination into gender-affirming care had been finished.