Puberty blockers should not be used on children, Poilievre says
Global News
Puberty blockers, as they're known, are used to prevent the body from producing the sex hormones that fuel both male and female development.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre confirmed Wednesday that he’s opposed to allowing the use of puberty blockers on children.
Poilievre made the comment during a barrage of media questions about his views on gender-affirming medical treatments for transgender youth.
Puberty blockers, as they’re known, are used to prevent the body from producing the sex hormones that fuel both male and female development.
“We should protect children and their ability to make adult decisions when they’re adults,” Poilievre said.
When asked directly whether he opposes the use of puberty blockers for gender-diverse youth under the age of 18, he said, “Yes.”
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced plans last week to ban puberty blockers and hormone therapy for children 15 and younger who have not already begun such treatments.
That spurred protests in Alberta and Ottawa and drew condemnation from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who accuses Smith of pushing an anti-LGBTQ+ agenda.
For months, Poilievre has said he supports the rights of parents to raise their children as they wish, and urged Trudeau to “butt out” of provincial decisions about schools and hospitals.