The trans dilemma in Catholic schools

One of the most contentious issues faced by schools in recent years has been the treatment of children who believe they are “trapped in the wrong body”. New guidance issued by the government in February sets out statutory guidelines for schools in England so that social transitioning markers such as a new name or different pronouns are adopted only after parents are consulted and clinical advice has been taken. The guidance for primary schools is that full social transitioning should only happen “very rarely”.

Catholic schools have to walk a tightrope when it comes to issues around transgender, negotiating between what the Church teaches and what the law requires. The law focuses on rights, discrimination and equality; for the Church, the main issue is Catholic doc trine. But it wants to be pastoral too. This was evident in January, when Bishop Paul Mason, the lead bishop on healthcare, expressed his concern about a proposed trial of puberty blockers. “Vulnerable children should not be part of an experiment,” he said. But, he added the Church – including lay Catholics in churches and schools as well as priests and deacons – should provide support every day to children who experience gender dysphoria.

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