Poilievre says he's against puberty blockers for kids, accuses Trudeau of 'attacking parents'

Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre has said he is opposed to allowing the use of puberty blockers on children.

The Ottawa-area MP was asked by reporters this morning whether he supports “age restrictions for puberty blockers and hormone therapies for trans kids.”

Poilievre accused Trudeau of “spreading disinformation about the decisions that premiers and parents are making,” in an apparent reference to Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s recent policy announcements.

When pressed further, he referred to “irreversible” treatments, adding: “I think that we should protect children and their ability to make adult decisions when they are adults.”

He then said “Yes” when asked if he is against puberty blockers for people aged under 18.

“We should protect the rights of parents to make their own decisions with regards to their children and I believe that adults should have the freedom to make any decision they want about their bodies,” he also said during the scrum.

Puberty blockers are hormones sometimes given to people who identify as transgender.

In females, they can prevent menstruation and breast growth; in males, they slow the growth of facial hair, limit the growth of the penis and prevent the voice from deepening.

According to the Mayo Clinic, puberty blockers can have long-term effects on fertility, bone density and bone growth.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said last week that Smith’s proposals are “the most anti-LGBT policies of anywhere in the country.”

Poilievre, meanwhile, has accused Trudeau of spreading “hatred against parents” and urged him to “butt out” of provincial politics.

Gender identity can be a hard thing to talk about, especially when you are involved. But this conversation is extremely important and parental involvement is critical. Kids need to know we love and support them.
My message to all Albertans: pic.twitter.com/i0ii57GLa6

— Danielle Smith (@ABDanielleSmith) January 31, 2024

This morning, the leader of the opposition said Trudeau was attempting to pit Canadians against each other and distract from his government’s performance.

“Justin Trudeau is again puffing out his chest, trying to divide Canadians and attack parents who are trying to protect their kids,” he said.

“He will, in the end, back down on this.”

Liberal cabinet minister Randy Boissonnault – who has been one of the fiercest critics of Smith’s proposals – responded to Poilievre remarks by saying that puberty blockers are a matter for a child and their doctor.

“I don’t see M.D. after Pierre Poilievre’s name, or Danielle Smith’s,” he said. “So, not their business.”