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

Accusations of “Bullying” and “Invasion of Privacy”

The disclosure came as the state government was accused of “intimidation” and “an invasion of privacy” after demanding private health records from parents of trans youth who are contemplating a additional legal challenge to its disputed ban on hormone blockers.

Latest Official Directive on Puberty Blockers

Last month, the Queensland health official, Tim Nicholls, issued a fresh directive prohibiting the use of hormone blockers for trans individuals, shortly after the state’s supreme court ruled the initial ban was illegal.

Media has spoken to four mothers who have approached Nicholls for a legal document called a explanation of decision – a formal explanation of why the authorities decided to ban puberty blockers in the state. Legally, the document must be provided under the state’s Judicial Review Act.

Requested Health Information

Each were required by the health authorities for particulars of their teen’s health background, including “your child’s name, their birthdate and any supporting documents which supports your teen having a clinical diagnosis of gender identity disorder”.

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

The message, which has been seen by the media, also instructed them to verify if your child is a client of the Queensland Children’s Gender Clinic so that we can verify the data provided with Children’s Health Queensland,” reads the email, which was sent recently.

Mothers Describe Demand as Breach of Confidentiality

Each parent characterized the request as an violation of confidentiality.

A mother said she was hesitant to divulge the details because the state government had accidentally sent her data to a different parent.

“It seems like having to ‘out’ your child to actually get a response; like, it’s terrifying,” she said.

Situation of Louise*

Louise*, who must remain anonymous because it would also reveal or expose her teen, was one of several who asked for a statement of reasons both times.

In May, the agency emailed a reply meant for her to someone else, revealing her identity and location – and the fact that she had a trans teen – to a stranger. She said a government employee later apologised by telephone; the Guardian has obtained an email from the department admitting the error.

She said she felt “ill and vulnerable” as a result of the blunder.

“My daughter is incredibly private. She is deeply afraid of being outed in any social setting. She dislikes anyone 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 share is out of need for obtaining entry to supports and only to individuals I consider trustworthy and I know well.”

Louise was especially worried about the suggestion it would be “verified” by the medical facility.

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

Other Mother Expresses Concerns

Sally* said she was unwilling disclosing the medical history of her young non-binary child.

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

“To imagine that that data could accidentally be disclosed one day, in any way, you know, even if that was accidental, could be extremely upsetting to him.”

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

“I would not share that information to another entity that asked for it, especially in the climate of the present environment,” she said.

“It’s such highly confidential information. You wouldn’t disclose, for instance, your medical condition to the minister’s office, you know. You’d be very reluctant and careful to submit such details to a bunch of bureaucrats, essentially.”

Legal Service Considering Second Lawsuit

The advocacy organization, which represented the parent in her challenge, was considering a second lawsuit, it said last week.

The head, Ren Shike, said the decision had impacted about 500 Queensland children and their relatives and it was crucial to efficiently facilitate the supply of explanations so that children and their parents can understand the logic behind this decision, which has had such a devastating impact on their medical care”.

Authorities Stance on Prohibition

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