Ministers have dropped plans to ban pupils from changing their gender identity in schools after being warned it would be illegal, it has been revealed.
New guidance for schools, expected to be published next week, will state that children can socially transition with their parents’ consent, meaning they can use another name or pronoun and wear the uniform of the opposite sex, The Times reported.
But teachers and pupils will not be compelled to address children who want to change their gender identity by their chosen pronoun.
The U-turn comes after the attorney general is said to have warned ministers a ban on social transitioning would breach the Equality Act and require new laws.
The government’s new guidance is expected to contain an effective “presumption against” social transitioning. It means children will only be able to transition in limited circumstances and with appropriate safeguards in place.
The guidance states explicitly that teachers should not be “compelled” to address children by their chosen pronoun if they have a “good faith” objection, The Times reported. There are narrow exemptions for “exceptional” circumstances, it added.
It is also expected to order schools to abide by laws such as the Equality Act and keep toilets, changing rooms and contact sports separate.
Those who socially transition will not be allowed to play contact sports with children of their adopted gender.
