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The state government released private details about the parent of a transgender teenager – data she claims potentially exposed her teen – to a stranger.

Accusations of “Intimidation” and “Privacy Violation”

The disclosure came as the government was accused of “intimidation” and “a breach of confidentiality” after demanding confidential medical information from parents of transgender children who are considering a additional legal challenge to its controversial ban on puberty blockers.

Latest Official Order on Hormone Treatments

Recently, the Queensland health minister, Tim Nicholls, issued a fresh directive prohibiting the use of hormone blockers for trans individuals, shortly after the state’s supreme court ruled the initial ban was illegal.

Guardian Australia has interviewed four mothers who have approached Nicholls for a official paper called a explanation of decision – a detailed account of why the government decided to prohibit puberty blockers in the region. By law, the document must be provided under the legal statute.

Demanded Health Information

Each were asked by the health authorities for details of their teen’s health background, including the minor’s identity, their birthdate and any other evidence which confirms your child having a clinical diagnosis of gender dysphoria”.

The information were sought before the statement of reasons would be provided.

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

Parents Label Demand as Invasion of Privacy

All four mothers described the request as an violation of confidentiality.

A mother said she was hesitant to divulge the details because the state government had accidentally sent her data to a another individual.

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

Situation of the Mother

Louise*, who cannot be legally identified because it would also reveal or “out” her child, was one of several who asked for a explanation both times.

In May, the department emailed a reply intended for her to someone else, revealing her identity and address – and the detail that she had a trans teen – to a third party. She said a department official later said sorry by telephone; the Guardian has seen an message from the agency admitting the mistake.

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

“My daughter is incredibly private. She is immensely fearful of being exposed in any social setting. She dislikes anyone to know that she’s transgender,” Louise said.

“I respect that to my very being as much as possible. The only time I ever disclose is out of need for gaining access to services and exclusively to individuals I deem trustworthy and I trust completely.”

The parent was particularly concerned about the implication it would be “verified” by the hospital.

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

Other Mother Expresses Concerns

Another mother said she was not comfortable disclosing the health background of her seven-year-old gender-diverse child.

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

“To imagine that that data could inadvertently be disclosed one day, in any manner, you know, although that was accidental, could be extremely upsetting to them.”

She wrote back saying the department had asked for an “extraordinary amount of information”.

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

“It’s such highly confidential information. You would not reveal, for instance, your HIV status to the government office, you know. You’d be hesitant and careful to submit such details to a bunch of bureaucrats, basically.”

Legal Service Considering Second Lawsuit

The LGBTI Legal Service, which represented the mother in her challenge, was evaluating a new legal action, it said recently.

The head, Ren Shike, said the decision had impacted about hundreds of minors and their families and it was crucial to efficiently facilitate the provision of reasons so that children and their parents can understand the reasoning behind this decision, which has had such a severe effect on their access to healthcare”.

Authorities Stance on Prohibition

The government has repeatedly said the ban would remain in place until a examination into trans healthcare had been finished.