A Massachusetts family is challenging the state’s decision to take custody of their teenage daughter after the parents allegedly refused to affirm her gender identity as a boy, citing their Catholic faith.
According to FOX News, the parents claimed that a school counsellor socially transitioned their daughter without their knowledge before reporting them to the state Department of Children and Families (DCF).
According to the family, the state now has guardianship of the teenager, while a restraining order prevents her parents and older brother from contacting her.
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The dispute has also raised concerns over the teenager’s medical treatment. A judge has temporarily blocked the state from administering high-dose testosterone while the family pursues the case.
The next court hearing is scheduled for October 29.
The parents allege that the school counsellor’s actions and the subsequent report to DCF led to the state’s intervention.
They are contesting the custody arrangement and seeking to regain access to their daughter as the legal battle continues.