I have been inundated with emails from constituents over the last few days calling on the Government to ban conversion therapy. I fully support these calls.
Being LGBT+ is not something that can or should be “cured” – the idea that being gay is pathological is an offensive, outdated viewpoint that has no place in today’s society. I believe we should be accepting of all, and I am deeply concerned that this practice has continued to spread fear and hatred in our society.
Figures from the National LGBT Survey found 7% of LGBT+ people have been offered or undergone conversion therapy. The numbers were noticeable higher among trans respondents and asexual people (13% and 10% respectively).
As it stands right now, the law does not protect people from this harmful practice.
In 2018, the Government committed to banning conversion therapy as a practice as part of its LGBT Action Plan. But four years later, we have still yet to see any action taken.
Every day that passes without a ban, exposes more vulnerable LGBT+ people to this practice. The Government must stop dragging its feet and bring forward proposals to end the vile practice of conversion therapy. When they do, I will work with MPs to ensure the proposal is properly scrutinised to ensure it protects everyone at risk from these abhorrent practices.
I was deeply disappointed by the Government’s recent u-turn to not ban conversion therapy. Then, they u-turned once again to say a ban on conversion therapy would happen, however it would exclude transgender individuals. This is unacceptable and a ban on conversion therapy must apply to the entire LGBT+ community.
For survivors of conversion therapy, the trauma they experience is often lifelong. With such serious mental health implications, it is vital that alongside a comprehensive ban the Government introduce provision and funding for victim and survivor support. Without this, survivors may never be able to rebuild their lives.
We all have a responsibility to create a world where all LGBTQIA+ people are able to live in safety and dignity.