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The state government released private information about the mother of a transgender teenager – information she says potentially “outed” her teen – to a stranger.

Allegations of “Intimidation” and “Privacy Violation”

The disclosure came as the state government was accused of “intimidation” and “a breach of confidentiality” after requesting private health records from parents of transgender children who are contemplating a additional legal challenge to its disputed prohibition on hormone blockers.

Recent Official Order on Puberty Blockers

Recently, the state health minister, Tim Nicholls, issued a fresh directive banning the prescription of puberty blockers for trans individuals, just hours after the high 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 explanation of decision – a formal explanation of why the government decided to ban puberty blockers in the state. Legally, the paper must be provided under the state’s Judicial Review Act.

Requested Health Information

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 supporting documents which supports your teen having a clinical diagnosis of gender dysphoria”.

The details were sought before the explanation would be provided.

The email, which has been seen by the media, also asked them to verify if your child is a patient of the Queensland Children’s Gender Clinic so that we can verify the information provided with Children’s Health Queensland,” states the email, which was sent last Friday.

Parents Describe Demand as Breach of Confidentiality

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

One parent said she was hesitant to divulge the information because the authorities had mistakenly forwarded her data to a different parent.

“It seems like having to reveal your child to obtain a response; like, it’s terrifying,” she said.

Case of the Mother

Louise*, who cannot be legally identified because it would also identify or expose her child, was one of several who requested a explanation both times.

In May, the department sent a reply intended for her to another parent, revealing her name and location – and the detail that she had a transgender child – to a stranger. She said a government employee later apologised over the phone; the media has seen an email from the department admitting the mistake.

She said she felt “sick and unsafe” as a result of the error.

“My child is very reserved. She is deeply afraid of being outed in any public space. She dislikes people to know that she’s trans,” Louise said.

“I honor that to my core as much as possible. The sole occasion I ever, ever share is out of need for gaining access to supports and exclusively to people I deem trustworthy and I know well.”

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

She said the demand was “intimidating” and “feels threatening”.

Other Parent Expresses Concerns

Another mother said she was unwilling revealing the medical history of her seven-year-old gender-diverse child.

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

“To imagine that that information could inadvertently be leaked one day, in any way, you know, even if that was accidental, could be deeply, deeply distressing to him.”

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

“I wouldn’t provide that data to any other organisation that asked for it, particularly in the context of the present environment,” 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 very reluctant and very cautious to submit such details to a group of officials, basically.”

Legal Service Weighing Further Action

The advocacy organization, which represented the mother in her case, was evaluating a new legal action, it said recently.

The head, Ren Shike, said the ruling had affected about 500 Queensland children and their relatives and it was “important to efficiently facilitate the provision of explanations so that minors and their guardians can comprehend the logic behind this decision, which has had such a devastating impact on their access to healthcare”.

Authorities Position on Ban

The government has repeatedly said the ban would stay enforced until a examination into gender-affirming care had been completed.