Sunak’s comments mirror those of Vivek Ramaswamy, an Indian-American who is hoping to get the Republican presidential nomination for the 2024 US elections.
Sunak stated that people cannot be any sex they want to be. In a closing speech at the 2023 Conservative Party conference, he insisted that individuals should not be “bullied into believing people can be any sex they want to be”, emphasizing that “a man is a man, and a woman is a woman,”.
Gender dysphoria a disorder: Ramaswamy
During the GOP’s second debate, Ramaswamy stated that he believes that gender dysphoria should be regarded as a mental health disorder.
“Transgenderism is a mental health disorder. We have to acknowledge the truth of that for what it is. It is not compassionate to affirm a kid’s confusion. That is not compassion. That is cruelty,” he said, adding: “I believe that we live in a country where free adults should be free to dress how they want, behave how they want and that’s fine, but you don’t oppress, you don’t become oppressive by foisting that on others, and that especially includes kids.”
Ramaswamy said more than 50% of kids with gender dysphoria have considered suicide. “And yet politicians reject a law that would require schools to inform parents if their kids change their gender identity at school. Parents have a right to know about their kids: that shouldn’t be controversial. Ban genital mutilation and puberty blockers before age 18. Treat gender dysphoria as a mental health disorder. Time to empower parents again.”
Sunak’s comments also touched on these aspects, including the parents’ right to know what their children are taught about relationships in school.
He also called for clarity in healthcare settings regarding the terms “men” and “women,” which was met with applause from the audience.
The PM’s comments have ignited a debate surrounding transgender rights and have sparked strong reactions from various quarters.
Sunak’s remarks drew criticism on social media, with some accusing him of making persistent attacks on the transgender community and labeling his statements as “disgraceful” and “vile”.
Others accused him of using divisive rhetoric for political gain.
The controversy comes after health secretary Steve Barclay outlined plans to ban transwomen from accessing female NHS wards, a proposal supported by other senior Tories, including home secretary Suella Braverman.
LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall criticized the move, describing it as a “cynical attempt to look busy” rather than genuinely improving women’s healthcare.