So the "anti-trans" candidate

 should be dis-endorsed? That she should be dis-endorsed for suggesting that those legally still children should not be encouraged or permitted to make life changing decisions? 

Surely whatever we believe or do not believe about transgender issues there is an issue of concern here?

We do not allow children to have a licence to drive. We do not allow them to fly jumbo jets, join the armed forces, vote, smoke, drink alcohol or any number of other things. There have long been calls to raise the age of criminal responsibility because, even while acknowledging children may know something is the wrong thing to do, their understanding of intent and consequences is not fully developed. Their parents make decisions about issues like infant vaccinations. Our society requires them to be "educated". 

We would not allow them to mutilate themselves by having an arm or a leg cut off because of body dysmporphia. It is illegal to tattoo a child.  Having sex with a child is, rightly, considered to be a truly appalling act. There are many other examples that could be brought.

Why then is it considered not just acceptable but legal to encourage a child to transition to the alternate sex? Why do we consider anyone who dares to speak out about these issues to be some sort of "anti-trans" low-life unfit to be a member of parliament? 

I know that, even by raising this issue, I will be accused by some of being "anti-trans". Nothing could be further from the truth but that will make no difference to some people. 

My own view is probably over-simplistic. I believe that transitioning to the alternate sex is a decision that only someone who has reached adulthood should be allowed to make. I also believe they should make that decision only after they have received extensive counselling about what is actually involved and how they might cope with the issues.

I believe those things because, perhaps wrongly, I believe there are extensive mental as well as physical issues which need to be addressed.  It is my belief that children do not have the life experience to understand the consequences of something so big.  

Why? Because just as we could not reattach a limb in the event of a child changing his or her mind we cannot change aspects of gender reassignment. If an adult makes a fully informed decision and then regrets it then they must live with the consequences. If a child makes that decision without the opportunity to discover more about themselves and life then is there just a possibility we are being irresponsible?

Or have I just committed a hanging offence? I hope not because I really do believe we need to think long and hard about what we are doing here.