Government sets out plan to ban conversion therapy

13 May 2021 02:07 PM

Following the Queen’s Speech Tuesday 11th May, Minister for Women & Equalities, Liz Truss, has confirmed that the Government will take legislative steps to ban conversion therapy.

Legislation will be introduced, protecting people from the coercive and abhorrent practice of conversion therapy in the UK.

Many forms of the practice are already prevented under current legislation, but this new ban will ensure that it is stamped out once and for all.

New funding will also be made available to increase the support available for victims of conversion therapy, the first time a government has offered this in the UK. This support is expected to be in place by summer.

Minister for Women & Equalities, Liz Truss, recently said: 

“As a global leader on LGBT rights, this government has always been committed to stamping out the practice of conversion therapy.

“We want to make sure that people in this country are protected, and these proposals mean nobody will be subjected to coercive and abhorrent conversion therapy.

“Alongside this legislation, we will make new funding available to ensure that victims have better access to the support they need.”

As soon as parliamentary time allows, and following a consultation, the ban will be introduced in parliamentary legislation. The accompanying consultation will seek further views from the public and key stakeholders to ensure that the ban can address the practice while protecting the medical profession; defending freedom of speech; and upholding religious freedom.

The recent announcement furthers the UK’s position as an international leader on LGBT equality, having legalised same-sex marriage and introduced one of the world’s most comprehensive legislative frameworks for protecting LGBT people from violence and discrimination.