Misgendering refers to addressing or referring to someone using pronouns or gender terms that don't align with their gender identity. In some debates, particularly around transgender youth, questions have arisen about whether consistent misgendering by parents should be considered a form of emotional abuse and grounds for loss of custody. Proponents argue that persistent misgendering can cause significant psychological harm to transgender children, and in severe cases, may justify state intervention to protect the child’s well-being. Opponents argue that removing custody over misgendering infringes on parental rights, may criminalize disagreement or confusion over gender identity, and could lead to overreach by the state into family matters.
Response rates from 6.4k Canada voters.
28% Yes |
72% No |
28% Yes |
72% No |
Trend of support over time for each answer from 6.4k Canada voters.
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Trend of how important this issue is for 6.4k Canada voters.
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Unique answers from Canada voters whose views went beyond the provided options.
@B5ZVCQL4 days4D
No, but if prolonged intentional hate towards the child results in intense emotional distress, they should lose custody
@B5X7L7Q2wks2W
Yes, but only if they refuse to participate in educational courses to better understanding transgender people and allyship, or continue to misgender their child after doing so.
@B5WZKQJ3wks3W
If its coming from a position of genuine malice towards a youths gender identity then yes. But if the intentional misgendering is coming from a place of denial or grief at what the parent thinks they have list then no.
@rileyr032mos2MO
Yes, but only following a psychologist’s evaluation of the child and an investigation into the parents
@rileyesc 2mos2MO
Yes, but only kids 14 years of age or older and following a Children's Aid investigation into the parents.
@B56Z3Q82mos2MO
It’s not automatic, but repeated misgendering can be a form of abuse. Generally I don’t support removing kids from custody; however, in a separation, supporting a child’s gender should favour custody.
@B56FD972mos2MO
no, but they should face punishment in form of a fine, and the child should be told of their parents' actions (if they are old enough to understand)
@B53VRKC2mos2MO
No - but they should have to attend some sessions with a gender therapist to get an understanding of their child. If the misgendering continues, then we can look at custody.
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