Fed: Howard seeks advice on court's sex change decision

AAP General News (Australia)
04-15-2004
Fed: Howard seeks advice on court's sex change decision

Prime Minister JOHN HOWARD says he is seeking further advice on a Family Court decision
allowing a 13-year-old girl to start treatment to become a boy.

Outgoing Family Court Chief Justice ALASTAIR NICHOLSON has given legal approval for
the child, known as ALEX, to begin a sex change through hormone treatment.

The decision is the first time an Australian child who is biologically one sex has
been given legal approval to begin a gender change for purely psychiatric reasons.

Mr HOWARD says he has been reflecting on what is a very difficult, traumatic and sad situation.

He says in one sense he is tempted to say the courts have gone too far, but on the
other hand, he is seeking some further advice on the issue.

AAP RTV pjo/sb/wz/rp

KEYWORD: SEXCHANGE HOWARD (CANBERRA)

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