IrelandThe Department of Equality in Ireland has not released a two-year-old report commissioned to review the process for allowing children under 16 to legally change their gender, despite spending €35,000 on the study. The report was completed in 2024 but remains unpublished. Investigative journalist Conor O’Carroll requested access to the report and related correspondence under the Freedom of Information Act, but his requests were denied under Sections 29 and 15 of the Act. The department argued that the report was still undergoing a 'deliberative process,' although no legal changes have been made for minors. O’Carroll challenged the decision, pointing out that the report was produced under a previous government and that the law has not changed, suggesting deliberations are complete. He also noted that the department failed to demonstrate how releasing the report would conflict with the public interest.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the issue around transparency and accountability in government decision-making, particularly regarding LGBTQ+ rights and children's welfare. It highlights the refusal to release a report that could inform public debate on gender recognition laws, implying a lack of openness. While
