Switzerland’s highest court has ruled that parents must comply with their 17-year-old daughter’s gender transition or face potential criminal charges, after she was removed from their custody. The parents, from Geneva, opposed their daughter’s use of puberty blockers and her school’s efforts to socially transition her. In response, the school reported them to the Swiss child welfare agency, which led to legal action and the girl’s removal to a government shelter.
The parents, represented by Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) International, argued that Swiss law and international conventions allowed them to protect their daughter from gender transition. However, the Swiss Federal Supreme Court ruled against them, stating it could not override existing laws. “It would therefore be up to the federal legislature, if necessary, to amend the system as it currently stands under the Act,” the court declared, adding that it was not its role to intervene.
The girl’s father expressed devastation at the ruling. “We love our daughter and only want what’s best for her. We know this decision is not in her best interest,” he said, criticizing the court for upholding what he described as harmful transgender ideology. The parents are now considering an appeal to the European Court of Human Rights.
ADF International attorney Felix Boellmann condemned the decision, stating, “Their child has been taken away from them simply for trying to protect her from harm.” He argued that children with gender dysphoria need compassionate mental health care, not irreversible medical interventions.
The case has garnered international attention, with Elon Musk denouncing it as evidence of a dangerous cultural trend. “This is insane. This suicidal mind virus is spreading throughout Western Civilization,” Musk tweeted in July.
This ruling in Switzerland contrasts with debates in the United States, where the Supreme Court recently heard a case on the constitutionality of Tennessee’s ban on puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones for minors. Similar laws in 23 states could be affected by the court’s decision, highlighting global conflicts over how to address gender dysphoria in youth
