Conservative grassroots vote against surgical, pharmaceutical care for transgender kids

Conservative party delegates voted Saturday that as a future government, it should prohibit 'medicinal or surgical interventions' for gender-diverse and transgender kids.

Conservative party delegates voted Saturday that as a future government, it should prohibit "medicinal or surgical interventions" for gender-diverse and transgender kids.

Members were gathered in Quebec City for the final day of the party's three-day policy convention and voted on a suite of amendments to the party's policy handbook, ranging in issues from foreign affairs, the environment and health.

The proposal that any future Conservative government prohibit "life-altering medicinal or surgical interventions" for those under 18 who are looking to transition came from a riding in British Columbia.

It passed with assent from 69 per cent of voting members.

Before it did, two delegates came to the mic to urge others adopt the motion, suggesting minors are simply too young to make such decisions.

Another pair of delegates said they stood against the matter, with one saying health care belongs in provincial, not federal jurisdiction. One said age is not tied to consent and chided a vote in favour of the change is like flying in the face of the freedom Conservatives value.

The vote comes as the issue of gender identity and children has gained increasing traction among conservatives in both Canada and the United States.