A Christian couple in the U.K. is seeking legal interference against their local council authority after it overruled them, siding with their 14-year-old daughter who wants to transition into a boy.
The Daily Mail reports that the girl told local council officials that she wants to begin transitioning to look like a boy. Her identity is under wraps due to legal reasons, and her parents believe that she is too young to be taking such decisions. They plan to meet with teachers and social workers this coming month to discuss how she needs to be addressed and treated at school.
The Christian Legal Centre, which is funding the couple's legal battle, accused the "transgender cultural movement" for creating a new "conflict of rights" within the family.
Director Andrea Williams accused authorities of forcing an untrue agenda that is harmful to children. "This case demonstrates shocking disregard for parental authority: no one is listening to what the parents want or have to say. They know the child the best, and have the child's interests at heart," she said.
Speaking to the Sunday Times, the teenager's mother explained, "The rights of parents in the U.K. are being eroded, especially those who have traditional Christian values. It is leaving parents to feel fearful, vulnerable and intimidated." Furthermore, the couple has been warned by their lawyer Michael Philips that their daughter could even be taken away from them if they fail to follow the instructions of social workers.
Christian Post reports that schools in the U.S. state of North Carolina have been told that parental involvement may not be required for students battling with gender identity issues.
Major evangelical leaders, including Rev. Franklin Graham, have criticised the move. Graham believes it is an effort to brainwash children into accepting homosexuality and transgender behavior as normal.
"Parents, watch out. They are using this unicorn to grab the imagination of children and make this seem acceptable. The Communists used brainwashing in Eastern Europe and Russia, and they took the parents out of the decision-making process and the state began to make decisions about morality. This is a dangerous path," he stated.