'People can't be any sex they want to be': UK PM Rishi Sunak mirrors Ramaswamy's views on transgender children

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stirred a significant controversy on Wednesday with his remarks on the transgender community and gender issues, aligning his views with those of Indian-American Vivek Ramaswamy, a potential Republican presidential nominee for the 2024 US elections.

During his closing speech at the 2023 Conservative Party conference, Sunak firmly asserted that individuals cannot freely choose their gender, emphasizing that «a man is a man, and a woman is a woman,» rejecting the notion that «people can be any sex they want to be.»

In a similar vein, Ramaswamy, during the GOP's second debate, classified gender dysphoria as a mental health disorder. He stated, «Transgenderism is a mental health disorder.

We have to acknowledge the truth of that for what it is. It is not compassionate to affirm a kid's confusion.

That is not compassion. That is cruelty.» He stressed the importance of allowing adults to express themselves while cautioning against imposing this freedom on others, especially children.

Ramaswamy also highlighted that over 50% of children with gender dysphoria have contemplated suicide.

Sunak's remarks also touched on the issue of parental involvement in their children's education about relationships in school and called for clarity in healthcare settings regarding the terms «men» and «women,» earning applause from the conference attendees.

However, these comments have not been without controversy. They have garnered criticism on social media, with some accusing Sunak of launching unwarranted attacks on the transgender community, labeling his statements as «disgraceful» and «vile.» Others have accused him of using divisive rhetoric for political gain.

This controversy comes in the wake of Health