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The state government released confidential information about the parent of a transgender teenager – data she says potentially exposed her teen – to a unknown individual.

Allegations of “Bullying” and “Invasion of Privacy”

The revelation came as the government was accused of “coercion” and “a breach of confidentiality” after requesting confidential medical information from guardians of trans youth who are considering a additional court case to its controversial prohibition on hormone blockers.

Latest Government Order on Hormone Treatments

Last month, the state health minister, Tim Nicholls, issued a new order banning the prescription of puberty blockers for trans individuals, shortly after the state’s supreme court ruled the government’s first attempt was illegal.

Guardian Australia has interviewed several parents who have contacted Nicholls for a legal document called a explanation of decision – a detailed account of why the authorities decided to ban hormone treatments in the state. By law, the paper must be supplied under the state’s Judicial Review Act.

Demanded Medical Details

Each were asked by the Queensland health department for particulars of their child’s medical history, including the minor’s identity, their date of birth and any other evidence which confirms your child having a clinical diagnosis of gender identity disorder”.

The details were sought before the statement of reasons would be released.

The message, which has been reviewed by the media, also instructed them to “please also confirm if your child is a client of the youth gender service so that we can verify the information submitted with Children’s Health Queensland,” reads the email, which was dispatched recently.

Mothers Describe Request as Breach of Confidentiality

Each parent characterized the request as an invasion of privacy.

One parent said she was hesitant to divulge the details because the authorities had accidentally forwarded her information to a another individual.

“It seems like having to ‘out’ your teen to actually get a reply; like, it’s terrifying,” she said.

Case of the Mother

The parent, who must remain anonymous because it would also reveal or expose her child, was one of several who requested a explanation both times.

Earlier, the department sent a reply intended for her to another parent, disclosing her name and address – and the detail that she had a transgender child – to a stranger. She said a department official later apologised by telephone; the Guardian has seen an email from the agency confirming the error.

She said she felt “ill and vulnerable” as a consequence of the blunder.

“My child is very reserved. She is immensely fearful of being exposed in any public space. She doesn’t like anyone to be aware that she’s trans,” Louise said.

“I honor that to my very being as much as possible. The sole occasion I ever share is out of necessity for gaining access to supports and exclusively to people I deem incredibly safe and I trust completely.”

Louise was particularly concerned about the implication it would be “confirmed” by the medical facility.

She said the demand was “intimidating” and “seems coercive”.

Other Parent Expresses Worries

Sally* said she was not comfortable revealing the medical history of her seven-year-old non-binary child.

“It’s not my data, it’s a seven-year-old’s information,” she said.

“To think that that information could inadvertently be leaked one day, in any way, you know, even if that was accidental, could be extremely upsetting to him.”

She wrote back saying the agency had requested an “excessive level of detail”.

“I wouldn’t provide that information to any other organisation that requested it, especially in the context of the present environment,” she said.

“It’s such intensely private stuff. You would not reveal, for example, your medical condition to the minister’s office, you know. You’d be very reluctant and careful to submit such details to a group of officials, essentially.”

Legal Service Weighing Further Action

The LGBTI Legal Service, which assisted the mother in her challenge, was evaluating a second lawsuit, it said last week.

Its president, Ren Shike, said the decision had affected about hundreds of minors and their relatives and it was crucial to efficiently facilitate the supply of explanations so that minors and their guardians can comprehend the reasoning behind this decision, which has had such a severe effect on their medical care”.

Government Position on Prohibition

The authorities has repeatedly said the prohibition would remain in place until a review into trans healthcare had been completed.